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Angelo Laurence, Star Writer
Home and flowers shop owners in Mandeville, Manchester, are being forced to lock their plants behind bars as thieves have been carting off with hundreds of them.
In one of the latest incidents, thieves invaded a home in Battersea and removed 100 pots of orchids. The home owner, who asked not to be named, said that the thieves had previously stolen 20 pots of the flowers. After coming to grips with her loss, she continued to tend the remaining flowers but to her surprise the culprits returned two days later and stole another 100 pots.
Too much to bear, she alerted other residents of her plight only to discover they had also fallen victims.
Custos of Manchster, Dr Gilbert Allen, who lives a short distance from some of the victims, is most upset about the thefts. He is warning consumers to purchase flowers, especially orchids, from reputable stores and/or people, such as members of the Manchester Horticultural Society.
Another home owner told THE WEEKEND STAR the orchids stolen could fetch as much as $500,000.
A policeman at the Mandeville Police Station, said orchids cost more than a dvd player and is less risky than stealing a cell phone. He warned, however, that anyone caught stealing or buying the plants face the same penalty as if they stole a car or other household appliances.
what a shame
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