THIS is the moment suspected tree thieves chopped down the branches of two Chinese privets after previous raids on cherry blossoms.
A man and a woman were filmed sawing off the branches of one of the privet trees in Ommaney Road, Telegraph Hill, last Tuesday.
It is not the first time suspected tree thieves have targeted the area, with cherry blossom branches also stolen in recent years.
Locals believe the privets were targeted for commercial gain as the branches can be propagated into new trees – or used in floral arrangements.
A source told the Lewisham Letter: “One of the residents took a photo of the pair while they were ‘in the act’.
“They seemed to do a runner when residents started showing too much interest, which may be why only half of one tree was cropped and taken while the other was ‘scalped’ much more.
“They appeared on film to be unskilled with the cutting tool the man was wielding.
“The Lewisham tree officer has visited and said unfortunately this is not the first attack of this type but they don’t know what to do to try to combat it.
“They also feel vexed when people think it is them or Street Trees for Living carrying out ‘work’.”
The Lewisham charity Street Trees for Living sponsored the two affected trees in Ommaney Road.
Our source said: “The trees were likely targeted for commercial reasons.
“Cuttings can be grown into new plants simply by putting the cut branches into potting mix….or even straight into the ground.
“If one wanted to bypass buying plants to create a new hedge, chopping off branches and sticking a row into the ground would propagate a new hedge for free.
“The foliage would also make excellent bouquet background for floral arrangements, especially as these two trees are the variegated variety with decorative leaves.”
Local residents have been left upset by the incident after caring for the trees for several years.
Our source added: “These trees were particularly glorious this year and thrived despite this summer’s drought likely because locals were watering them regularly.”
A Lewisham Council spokesman said: “While we are not aware of any reports of privet being cut, we have unfortunately experienced incidents of cherry blossom tree theft.
“This is particularly upsetting, as many of these trees are remembrance trees and form part of Freddy’s Blossom Walk.
“Freddy’s Blossom Walk is a community memorial route linking more than 100 blossom trees across Lewisham, connecting Hilly Fields, Telegraph Hill and Blythe Hill Fields.
“The trees have a special significance to local people, and any theft or damage causes real distress to the community.
“We would encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity involving trees or planting in our parks and open spaces to report it to the police and the council.”
Anyone with information about the suspected thefts can contact the Met Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 01/7910342/26.