KINGS Park is calling for help from the people of Perth after a spate of flower thefts.
There have been at least 28 major incidents reported over the past 12 months, with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA) saying hundreds of stems are being cut each time.
It is likely there are more thefts that have gone unreported.
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READ NOWThe BGPA posted a call-out on social media on Monday after an alleged theft on Thursday night.
“A number of banksia flowers [were] cut and stolen from the WA Botanic Garden,” they wrote.
“It is believed the flowers and foliage are being sold commercially.”
The BGPA said the thefts were damaging its displays for visitors and having an impact on the natural environment of the park, and urged florists to check their suppliers were getting their stock from legal sources.
The flowers pictured were recovered during a recent arrest, and the BGPA is working with WA Police.
Perth MLA John Carey said on Facebook it was disgraceful people were stealing and harvesting flowers from Kings Park.
“I don’t use my words lightly, but they’re scum bags,” he wrote.
“It’s disrespectful, greedy and vandalising a key tourism asset of our city.”
Kings Park is urging visitors and the community to report suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers or by calling a Park Management Officer on 0418 923 973.
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