Thieves Making Off With Green Trees, Shrubs Being Dug Up, Stolen From North Side Businesses

It’s not your garden-variety crime, but a recent rash of plant thefts is costing some North Side businesses hundreds of dollars.

Over the past two months, at least six business owners have gone to work only to find their freshly planted trees and shrubs have been dug up.

“I can’t chain all my plants to the fence,” said Wayne Aaseby, owner of Land of Oz Street Rod Fabrication at 3713 E. Wellesley. “I also don’t put my Social Security numbers on them.”

Three weeks ago, Aaseby planted $1,000 worth of flowering bushes and trees outside his store. Three days later, they were gone.

Someone had stolen them in the middle of the night, Aaseby said. By morning, nothing was left but holes in the ground.

Buck Koerper’s business lost two medium-sized azaleas this month. They were worth $35 apiece, but he was surprised somebody went to the trouble of taking them.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said the owner of Whitey’s Wrecking at 4330 E. Francis. “They steal my (auto) parts all the time, but when they come to steal my plants, it’s kind of bizarre.”

Some business owners suspect a “freelance landscaper” is running around stealing the shrubs, said Don Tipke, a longtime employee at Country Homes Building Supply.

The business, which recently moved to 4111 E. Francis, lost 17 shrubs and one tree last month - stolen like the other plants in the middle of the night.

The thief or thieves have taken nearly 100 plants from the area, Tipke said - more than what’s needed to landscape a yard around a house.

Zoning codes require businesses in certain areas to plant and maintain grass and shrubbery for aesthetic and environmental purposes. When the plants are stolen, they must be replaced.

Capstone Construction Co. at 2917 E. Francis has replaced its plants three times since April 23, said Mark Anderson, office administrator.

Thieves have taken 12 rhododendron bushes and other plants with a total value of $1,000.

Capstone is considering purchasing a surveillance camera to protect the greenery, Anderson said.

Most of the businesses haven’t bothered to call police, Aaseby said. “They’re not going to chase bushes when they’re out chasing criminals.”

Even if police did find the plants, owners wouldn’t be able to tell which plants belong to whom, he said.

But the plants don’t have only a monetary value, said Patty Selden, owner of Country Homes Building Supply.

The fir tree stolen from the front lawn of that business had been planted in memory of her late father-in-law, Everett Selden.

“It’s not the money,” said Patty Selden, who is offering a reward to anyone who finds the fir. “That’s what makes me mad. The tree was special to me. …

“It was out there in front of God and everybody. (The theft) really upset me.”