Richmond Mounties are asking the public to keep an eye on unusual activity in people’s gardens — after around $5,000 worth of trees and flowers were stolen from someone’s yard.
Blueberry trees, peonies and hydrangeas were among the thief’s haul from the front and backyards of the home on Hollybank Drive, northeast of the Steveston Highway and Railway Avenue intersection.
It’s thought the items were taken on June 3, however the homeowner — who wasn’t living at the property at the time — didn’t report the theft until June 9.
Nine plants or trees were stolen in total and police believe the City of Richmond construction going on right outside of the home at the time may have made it easier or more inviting for the thief, due to some temporary fencing fronting the property.
Police say they will have some difficulty tracking down the stolen items because trees and flowers have no identification tags or serial numbers.
However, if you see a neighbour planting all of the above items at the same time, there may be cause for concern, according to Richmond RCMP.
Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact Const. Romanko at Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or via email at [email protected]. To leave a tip anonymously, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
