Police get to the root of Seville’s palm tree thefts with tracking chips

Palm trees are going missing in Seville. In the past two weeks, ten new planted Cuban royal palm trees that once lined the Avenida Aeronautiva have vanished without a trace.

To get to the root of the problem, police have installed tracking chips in trees in an effort to find the thieves. The move is believed to be one of the first measures of its kind in Spain.

The cost of the crime

While many of us are likely guilty of picking a flower from somebody’s garden or pinching a lemon from a public tree, those small offences don’t have much consequence except to a person’s landscaping. That’s not the case in Seville.

The missing trees are Cuban royal palms, a highly prized ornamental species known for their impressive height and sturdy trunks.

According to the city’s Parks and Gardens technician, each missing tree costs €500. With ten going missing in a fortnight, the thieves have racked up a hefty €5000 bill. However, officials say the true cost is even higher once planting, preparation work and maintenance are taken into account.

Police investigation and community support

Authorities have described this a serious attack against the city’s green spaces, which should be maintained for everyone’s enjoyment.

So far, the investigation has been helped along by local residents. Witnesses reportedly provided photographs of a suspect and alerted authorities when another theft was believed to be taking place. Security camera footage from the area has also assisted police enquiries. In one incident, officers intervened before another palm tree could be taken away.

Tracking chips installed in trees

Given the frequency and cost of the thefts, police have resorted to installing tracking chips in the remaining trees. The strategy appears to be part of a wider effort to protect Seville’s urban landscape. Officials have revealed that tracking technology is also being considered for other plants and trees following a recent rise in thefts across public parks and gardens.

The hope is this new security measure will deter the tree thieves from adding another to their collection. Alternatively, there’s hope the tracking chips will lead the police to catch the green-thumbed criminals red handed.