More bikepath garden thefts

[veronique4.livejournal.com]

Two more plants lifted from the gardens--a lavender plant and a poppy plant (total out of my pocket about $12). Also, last night someone came along (between 5 pm and 10 pm and cut about 60 poppies from the large patch that my gardening partner went to great lengths this summer to cultivate. Red, pink, yellow, and white poppies were cut; the orange were left. How bizarre. People have been loving those poppies--especially kids.

Please take pictures if you see anyone stealing plants or messing around in the gardens at odd hours. It's a violation of the entire community that enjoys these gardens each day.

Am ready to give up. Just can't deal with these petty thieves anymore.

Comments

[benndragon.livejournal.com]

Would it be legal to put up a camera aimed at the gardens (with a sign saying "smile, plant thieves!" or something like that)?

[veronique4.livejournal.com]

How I'd love to do that! From the reports I've gotten, it seems to be a one-woman show.

[benndragon.livejournal.com]

Maybe start with a sign along the lines of "These plants have been lovingly placed here for the enjoyment of our whole community. Please do not take them. Thank you." Shame might not be enough to deter her, but at least she wouldn't be able to pretend that she didn't know it was wrong.

[veronique4.livejournal.com]

Already tried this approach. No luck. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

[enochs-fable.livejournal.com]

I'm starting to think that a cheap small battery cam might be something to consider. Thank you for all your efforts to beautify the space!

[spettacolo.livejournal.com]

STAKE OUT.

You need to put out some really enticing bait (like easily stealable POTTED flowers) and stake out the garden. Get a camera with a good telephoto lens and wait patiently. It's most likely happening early in the morning. Maybe share shifts with a couple people and nab the crook in the act. Then post the person's photo all over the path shaming them as a plant thief.

It's unlikely the Somerville police will do anything about a plant thief. They don't even bother with GPS thieves (I know from experience). The person doing this needs to be outed.