Expensive Palm Trees Stolen in West End

Some very expensive and unique trees were stolen from Atlanta's beltline trail and Wednesday city officials were trying to find who is responsible for the thefts. Residents in the historic West End neighborhood said the Wind Mill palm trees were literally ripped from the ground.

The thefts happened early Tuesday morning and neighbors who live in the West End said they were angry that someone stole such a precious part of their neighborhood.

"These were very exotic trees and really pretty and we've been outraged about the number of trees that have been taken from us," said Brenda Arrington.

Arrington and her neighbors said 11 Wind Mill palms were ripped out, roots and all. One palm tree was left behind. Some neighbors said they suspected the tree was left behind because one of the neighbors saw a truck.

"He said there was a rusty red truck with lawn equipment in the back and that's it," said West End resident Rachel Joseph.

It appeared that the thieves went through a lot of trouble to steal the trees, because each tree was reinforced with rebar, which are steel bars that go through the roots to keep them from being removed.

"They probably thought they were really pretty and maybe knew they were worth a little bit of money," said Greg Levine of Trees Atlanta.

Police took a report about the stolen trees and valued them about $450 each. The trees were a part of the Beltline Arboretum Project, a collection of so-called ancient trees that were found at one time or another in Georgia.

The palms were paid for by a grant from the Arthur Blank Foundation but Trees Atlanta and volunteers planted the trees.

"For somebody to come out and pull them out, it’s a disgrace," said Arrington.

"Give us back our trees!" exclaimed Joseph.

City council member Cleta Winslow, who represents the West End, said she will work with the police and Trees Atlanta to try and find who is responsible for taking the trees.

Trees Atlanta is asking people who may have purchased any palm trees like the ones that were stolen recently to double check where they came from.