Vandals have caused about $100,000 worth of damage at a Hawke's Bay orchard after attacking hundreds of apple trees.
Moffett Orchards have reported that approximately 1500 apple trees in their block bordering Korokipo Road and Swamp Road, Fernhill have been damaged by being cut in half. The trees are approximately 2 years old.
Police say it appears that due to the freshness of the cuts and the greenness of the leaves that this probably occurred overnight on Saturday 7th April.
Entire rows containing approximately 150 trees in each have been cut in half.
Family member Jonty Moffett is at a loss to explain why somebody could have done such a thing and believes it would have taken one person at least 5 hours to make the cuts to the trees.
Police said the loss of income and the replacement of damaged trees puts the dollar value of the damage in the vicinity of $100,000.
Police would like to hear from anyone seen acting suspiciously around the orchard on the corner of Korokipo Road and Swamp Road, Fernhill during the past 10 days or from anyone that has information regarding the damage.
Anyone with information should contact the Napier Police on 8310700 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.