BY RUBY VAN DE WIJGAART
Lake Macquarie Council has spent more than $5000 removing traffic cones from the top of pine trees, as part of a new social media trend.
Known as 'coning', the phenomenon has seen vandals scale 25-metre-tall Norfolk pine trees and other greenery, to place a traffic cone on top.
The trend is said to gained popularity on New Zealand social media, but has quickly swept its way around Lake Macquarie, predominantly the eastern suburbs.
Council is calling on anyone participating in the trend, with grave concerns for their safety as many of the trees have unstable branches and reach dangerous heights.
The climbing also loosens branches, making it unsafe for the community to walk below.
"There may be more [incidents] we're not familiar with but we're asking for public assistance," said Council's Presentation Manager Paul Pafumi.
The trend also poses a risk to the health of the trees, with the traffic cones said to stunt growth and have lasting impacts.
"This means that the tree would require removal, that would be at the coast of the council as well," said Mr Pafumi.
Lake Macquarie Council are urging those with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
