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Theft devastates guerrilla gardener
A GREEN-FINGERED Orton pensioner who spends her time tending to grass verges near her home has been left distraught after cruel thieves stole her beloved flowers.
A GREEN-FINGERED Orton pensioner who spends her time tending to grass verges near her home has been left distraught after cruel thieves stole her beloved flowers.Guerrilla gardener, Joan Wilkinson, of Linnet, Orton Wistow, Peterborough, believes the plants have been stolen to be re-sold due to the way they were "carefully" taken out.
They were taken from two sites that Joan looks after, including a crop of lavenders from land close to the blue bridge over Oundle Road that connects Matley and Orton Wistow.
The second theft saw spiked primulas taken from land close to a footpath in Paul's Grove, Orton Wistow. Both areas were paid for by Joan, who does her work out of the goodness of her heart.
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As revealed by The Evening Telegraph last month, Joan has been tending areas near her home in an attempt to keep the green space around her home as welcoming as possible, which has led to numerous words of praise from neighbours, who want her to keep up the good work.
However, the thefts of her precious plants has left Joan wondering about whether or not she can continue to provide her vital work to the community, free of charge.
She said: "I'm doing this free-of-charge as a volunteer and they are stealing from me, not from the council. I want them to be returned as soon as possible.
"I'm not being paid for the work or reimbursed for the plants which I have chosen to buy, because improving this neglected area is a worthwhile project.
"It's not just the expense, if you could experience the physical pain I have endured to plant them. The plants seem to have been taken out very carefully judging by the lack of mess, and I think they've been sold on.
"I'm very annoyed about it, but I won't let it stop me. I have spent 30 on plants, but if it keeps happening I will have to use stuff that I grow myself in my garden or experiment with seeds.
"They are forcing me to do it on the cheap and I wanted it to be a showpiece for the area."
If you know anything about the thefts, Joan, who has not contacted the police over the thefts, can be contacted by calling 01733 756180.
Garden raids
THEFTS from gardens in Peterborough are not an uncommon occurrence.
Back in May 2006, a spate of thefts of expensive plants, trees and lawns sparked fears that the city was being targeted by a gang of professional garden thieves.
Several incidents were reported across Peterborough, including the newly-laid lawn of a 92-year-old woman from outside her home in Bifield sheltered housing complex, in Orton Goldhay.
Other incidents included the thefts of plants worth more than 100, statues and even garden gnomes taken from gardens all over the city.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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