In Tucson, the Fairfield community is grappling with a surge in cacti thefts, leaving residents disheartened and concerned for their neighborhood’s well-being.
The President of the Homeowners Association (HOA) in the Fairfield area of Catalina Foothills, Eloise Gore, revealed that a staggering 35 cacti were stolen in the past ten days, with one incident occurring just three nights ago
The thefts, primarily targeting Gold Barrels and Columnar cacti valued at $300 and $100 each, have hit common areas and even private backyards, causing significant emotional distress among residents.
President of the Homeowners Association Eloise Gore, who first noticed the thefts on September 24th, emphasized the devastating impact on the community, as the stolen cacti had thrived for four summers and are unlikely to survive after being uprooted. The President of the Homeowners Association lamented that the loss goes beyond monetary value, asserting that it’s a loss to the community’s essence. To combat the situation, residents have established a night watch from 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM, aiming to apprehend the culprits.
The replacement cost for the stolen cacti is estimated to be around $7,500, but the focus remains on safeguarding the community’s cherished flora
President of the Homeowners Association, including Gore, are advocating for enhanced safety measures, including motion sensor cameras and concealing valuable cacti. They hope that their ordeal serves as a cautionary tale for fellow cacti enthusiasts, advising them to exercise caution when acquiring these prized plants. As of now, no arrests or suspects have been identified by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in connection with this series of plant thefts.
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