Vandals Trespassed from Lake Mangamahoe Forest

Eight people have been trespassed from Lake Mangamahoe Forest after being caught red-handed hooning in their vehicles.

They gained entry to the forest last weekend after cutting the lock on the entry gate, and a member of the public called the police who caught them in the forest.

Manager Parks Mark Bruhn says it is great to have a win in the battle against vandalism.

“There have been ongoing problems with four-wheel drives and motorcycles using the forest for hooning,” he says. “Generally they’re doing it at night.

“We’ve spent thousands of dollars trying to maintain security but we find locks broken and access forced around gates.

“We’re pleased someone has been caught but we’re disturbed that it’s an ongoing problem. This forest is a community asset and a commercial asset, and a number of people are damaging it.”

Mr Bruhn has thanked the member of the public who alerted the police.