A woman has claimed a tree near her home has been vandalised only days after she said teenagers' antisocial behaviour has left her too scared to leave home.
Police have confirmed they were called at around 4.35pm on Wednesday, October 5, to a report that a tree had been damaged by a group of teenagers in the Longcroft Road area of Watford.
It comes a week after the resident voiced fears over drug-gang activity, vandalism and antisocial behaviour in the same road since 2019.
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She said: “Two thirds of the sapling tree have been cut off. It has been vandalised.
“It has been a bit windy, but not enough to cause this kind of damage.”
The woman reported it to the police and Watford Community Housing Trust, adding: "When the area manager came out, she said, ‘that is human damage, that is not a storm’."
A police spokesperson said: “Local officers have been made aware of the incident and work is ongoing to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area.”
The woman is also disappointed with WCH’s approach to addressing the previous vandalism caused to the sheds that have seen windows smashed and roofs damaged.
She said: “I saw workmen at the sheds last week.
“I asked what they were doing, and they said they had been told to put the fences up for health and safety in case the bricks come down and hurt anybody.
“I said, ‘the damage has been like that since June’. The children have been out playing here the whole summer.
“I think WHC are trying to make it look like they are doing something.”
WHC was asked to respond to the recent claim of vandalism and to explain the reason behind the new fencing.
A spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the police to ensure the safety of our residents and will be carrying out repairs in due course.
“We are always happy to hear feedback from our customers and will consider any suggestions for improvements."
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