Goring-by-Sea Tree Dispute Escalates into Vandalism Spree
A quiet residential street in West Sussex has been rocked by a disturbing incident of criminal damage, following a dispute over the removal of a tree. Three vehicles were targeted, with twelve tyres slashed and a threatening message carved into the side of a van, leaving residents fearful and facing significant financial costs.
Surveyor's Advice Leads to Neighbourhood Backlash
The homeowners, a couple aged 64 and 65 who recently relocated from Lancaster to Keymer Crescent in Goring-by-Sea, had purchased their property with the guidance of multiple surveys. All surveys recommended felling a strawberry tree in the front garden, as it was reportedly causing damage to a wall. Acting on this professional advice, the couple hired a tree surgeon to remove the tree last Friday.
However, the situation took a sinister turn on Monday morning. The couple awoke to discover that the tyres on both of their cars had been slashed, along with those on another vehicle. More alarmingly, the phrase "I am a tree vandal" had been scratched into the side of a neighbour's van parked nearby.
Residents Express Shock and Financial Strain
The wife, who spoke anonymously due to fears of retribution, described the moment they realised the vandalism was targeted. "We thought it was a bit weird, but that it was random and someone was going around. Then we saw what was written on the side of the van and realised it was targeting us," she said. "It was very shocking. We are worried that they are likely to do it again. I don't keep my car outside anymore in case they come back."
She emphasised that the tree removal was not a casual decision, stating, "It wasn't just some random thing we decided to do, it was on a surveyor's recommendation. We liked the tree, it offered us privacy and shade. But we needed to futureproof. I don't want the wall to collapse on pedestrians." The couple has since replaced the wife's tyres at a cost of £649, but cannot afford to do the same for the husband's vehicle.
Innocent Neighbour Bears Brunt of Damage
The van owner, whose vehicle suffered the most severe vandalism, is described as "devastated" by the incident. His partner, also wishing to remain anonymous, clarified that they had no involvement in the tree removal. "My partner had nothing whatsoever to do with the removal of this tree. He does not own the property, was not involved in any decisions or work carried out," they posted. "This has caused a huge amount of stress and anxiety for us, especially as we had no involvement at all in what our neighbours chose to do in their own garden."
They highlighted the unfair financial burden, noting the damage occurred at a particularly difficult time. "No one should have to worry about their property being deliberately damaged for simply parking legally outside a neighbour's house," they added.
Police Investigation Concludes Pending New Information
Sussex Police confirmed they received reports of criminal damage to three vehicles in Keymer Crescent and Alinora Avenue, Goring. The incidents are believed to have occurred between 11pm on Sunday, 18 January, and 7am on Monday, 19 January. Officers have pursued all reasonable lines of enquiry, which have now concluded pending new information.
The police are encouraging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information, such as CCTV or mobile footage, to come forward. They advise reporting online or by calling 101, quoting serials 154 or 238 of 19/01.
The couple believes the vandalism happened just after 11pm, as the husband returned home at that time and did not notice any damage. They remain baffled by the scale of the attack, with the wife remarking, "You'd think if someone was cross they would post a note through the door or slash one tyre, but to slash 12 tyres and vandalise a van must have taken a long time and a lot of strength."
