Police to deploy CCTV van after green thumb thefts

A police CCTV van will be deployed to a park in Nottingham in response to a spree of "heartbreaking" plant thefts.

The Arboretum, in the city centre, has been affected by an increase in anti-social behaviour, according to Nottingham City Council.

This includes the theft of 180 plants across two occasions during the past two months.

Jane Barton, from the authority, said: "It's mindless and it's sad. Why spoil the beauty of what is an amazing green space?"

"Just short of 25% of Nottingham is green and open space, which combines parks, nature reserves, and woodlands, so to destroy it in such a way is just awful," she added.

Ms Barton said the "most upsetting" part of the recent thefts was that they had ruined the time and effort put in by volunteers.

Jess Rhodes, a volunteer for Nottingham Green Guardians, agreed it was disappointing.

"It's just really annoying because it's so selfish, and it's not for them to steal and take home, it's for everyone to enjoy," she said.

The city council said 120 perennials and shrubs were taken during an incident in March.

Replanting took place on Thursday, which was followed by another theft of 60 plants on Sunday.

Sgt Karl Browne, from Nottinghamshire Police, said the force had received reports of the thefts and he "sympathises" with the volunteers who look after the garden.

He said: "We will be deploying our force's CCTV van in the coming days to make sure we continue to proactively target areas where anti-social behaviour takes place.

"We encourage anyone with information that may help us find those who are responsible for this incident to contact us."

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