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The local drought emergency appears to be fueling a wave of plant thefts at a new garden at Fresno’s Woodward Park, and destroying a student project in the process.
The new Xeriscape Garden that was just dedicated last weekend had already been hit twice by thieves, once overnight Sunday, and again overnight Monday.
Fresno City Council Member Lee Brand is discouraged by the plant thefts at the new garden, saying crooks are hitting a new low.
"stealing plants is not a way to get rich. The biggest thing since I’ve been on council has been copper wire theft", according to Brand.
The value of the drought resistant plants taken so far is over $ 1,000.
Park goers are also angered by the thefts. One woman said "I think that if there is enough awareness raised that maybe something can be done ,
for the person who’s stealing these plants. And I guess just spreading that awareness"
Eyewitness News spoke with Belmont Nursery owner Jon Reelhorn who said "These guys know. I mean whoever took that they know they know,
they knew they were taking valuable plants. They knew that they would probably have a home for them somewhere else too".
It remains to be seen what will happen next at the Xeriscape Garden.
Council Member Brand says that even if extra Police patrols are added at the park, little could be done to protect the parks if the thieves are intent on stealing them.
The new Xeriscape Garden that was just dedicated last weekend had already been hit twice by thieves, once overnight Sunday, and again overnight Monday.
Fresno City Council Member Lee Brand is discouraged by the plant thefts at the new garden, saying crooks are hitting a new low.
"stealing plants is not a way to get rich. The biggest thing since I’ve been on council has been copper wire theft", according to Brand.
The value of the drought resistant plants taken so far is over $ 1,000.
Park goers are also angered by the thefts. One woman said "I think that if there is enough awareness raised that maybe something can be done ,
for the person who’s stealing these plants. And I guess just spreading that awareness"
Eyewitness News spoke with Belmont Nursery owner Jon Reelhorn who said "These guys know. I mean whoever took that they know they know,
they knew they were taking valuable plants. They knew that they would probably have a home for them somewhere else too".
It remains to be seen what will happen next at the Xeriscape Garden.
Council Member Brand says that even if extra Police patrols are added at the park, little could be done to protect the parks if the thieves are intent on stealing them.
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