Aussie council fumes over 'disgusting' $1,188 tree theft from local park
Gardens and public parks are being targeted by thieves looking for an unconventional heist.
An Aussie mayor has called on her community to keep an eye out for "dodgy tree sales" after thieves managed to steal nearly $1,200 worth of established trees from a local park over the weekend.
The bizarre heist saw about a dozen conifers ripped out of the ground from Granton Park in the northern suburbs of Tasmania.
"I woke up to some terrible news this morning," Mayor Michelle Dracoulis said on Sunday.
The new trees were part of a council "beautification process" to improve the popular area, with pictures from the scene now showing a long row of holes where the trees were ripped out.
"They were establishing well, and were purchased at a cost of $99 each, this theft leaving ratepayers $1,188 out of pocket," Dracoulis added.
"Sadly the thieves are not skilled gardeners, and these trees have had their roots ripped during the theft, which will give the trees little chance of survival."
Locals are being urged to notify authorities of any suspicious plant sales with anyone with information implored to contact Tasmania Police.
Online, locals reacted furiously to the flagrant theft, with one labelling it "disgusting behaviour".
"I’m struggling to understand this mentality. Why would a resident of the valley think this is ok? The total disregard for the community they live in is astounding," one person wrote in response to the mayor's post.
"Going to have to erect barbed wire and posts around them until they are big enough," lamented another.
"Seriously, this behaviour is so frustrating," agreed one local.
Tasmania Police confirmed to Yahoo News on Monday an investigation was underway.
Numerous reports of garden theft around the country
With cost-of-living pressures continuing, it's not uncommon for criminals to turn to unusual methods to make a buck, with numerous reports of garden thefts this year.
Last month, one home owner in Sydney had $300 worth of new plants dug up from her garden. Also in August, a new home owner told Yahoo how they were "absolutely gutted" when someone dug up and stole a special species of hedge they'd just planted at their home in Moss Vale, NSW.
Meanwhile in July, Victoria’s Department of Environment (DEECA) revealed a whopping 462 hectares of public land was cleared by illegal firewood operators last year. It warned residents to think twice before purchasing wood through online marketplaces, roadside stalls or via social media.
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