There was anger and bewilderment in Schaerbeek last week after more than a dozen trees in the area were reportedly vandalised.
Over the weekend, residents woke up to find a number of their neighbourhood trees had been damaged or destroyed.
Damaged trees were spotted in several different locations, including Rue Vandevelde, Square Apollo and Place d’Helmet. The vandalism was reportedly carried out under cover of darkness and took place over the course of two nights.
Schaerbeek’s mayor Audrey Henry told RTBF that “at least a dozen trees were pruned and branches broken," adding that “some of them then had to be sawed down by the municipal services to avoid any risk to the population".
Many people in Schaerbeek were distressed by the news. One neighbour described it as a “very sad situation”, and told the Brussels Times she had started a petition to send to the mayor, highlighting people’s concerns about wider anti-social behaviour in the area.
Following the alleged vandalism, the authorities had to cut back some of the trees as a safety measure. Credit: Karin D. Facebook.
“The petition in paper format has gathered around 100 signatures and has been sent to the mayor,” the woman said. “The petition calls for police patrols at night, also to combat insecurity and drug trafficking.”
Lots of residents took to social media to express their discontent. One man said: "It's a disgrace...trees represent life." Another user said: "Unacceptable. I simply don't understand it."
According to BX1, a man has been arrested in connection with the incident. His motives remain unclear.
