PLANT poaching or theft is becoming a common occurrence across Greenwood Park and Durban North were thieves are targeting well-tended verges and flower beds.

The suspects involved intentionally target different plant species including Cycads, Bulbine, Strelitzias, Agapanthus and Aloes.

Incidents have been reported on Swapo Road (Broadway), Riverside Road, Desai Crescent and Bridgevale Park and Nature Reserve.

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Jane Troughton of the Durban North Conservancy said she was aware of several incidents in the Durban North area.

“With Cycads, because they are protected and have very high value, so they are often targeted. We’ve also lost Agapanthus, Vygies and Bulbine plants stolen from Bridgevale Nature Reserve and the Broadway area. It’s very demoralising for those who’ve taken the time to plant for them to be targeted by thieves.

“It’s not just the cost of the plants but the labour involved as well. In addition, every bare patch is an opportunity for weeds to get a toe hold. If people don’t want to pay for plants there is a lot of information online on how to propagate plants. We are aware of a theft incident involving a woman who was caught digging out plants in the Broadway area,” she said.

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