Trees could be microchipped to prevent theft

Nelson City Council is considering microchipping the city's palm trees after seven queen palms worth $1400 were stolen.

The trees disappeared between October 24 and November 1 from an area near the intersection of Queen Elizabeth 2 Drive and Trafalgar St.

Council horticultural supervisor Rachel Newton said the thieves went to considerable effort to disguise the crime. The trees, which were planted in July and were between 1.2m and 1.5m tall, had been dug up.

"They reinstated the ground as they covered up their holes and put the bark back so it looked like nothing had been taken.

"It was a really high-profile area, and we're hoping someone would have seen something suspicious ... it's pretty cheeky."

Ms Newton said the council was considering microchipping its palm trees, which was a cheap and easy process.

"If they go missing, we can track the scoundrels down, and hopefully that may be a bit of a disincentive to these rascals."

She said the theft of dozens of plants from Anzac Park was also causing concern. "We are losing dozens and dozens of plants there that once again were planted back in July.

"I'm suspicious they're taking them to sell on because of the quantity."

- NZPA