Neighbors upset over landscape thefts in Palm Springs

Nearly forty cacti vanished from landscape planters at the Luminaire community in Palm Springs this week. It’s the latest string of small crimes to happen in the ungated neighborhood — prompting residents and the home owner’s association to take action.

“We’re not going to tolerate this. This is a lovely community, we’re all very proud of it and we’re going to keep it that way,” vice president of the HOA Dennis Wolframski said.

The community was hit with thousands in landscape losses three nights in a row this week after cacti were dug up and stolen in the middle of the night.

The thief left behind a trail of rocks and dirt along with broken sprinkler heads and pipes.

Wolframski estimated the damages to cost upwards of $2,000 — saying a single cactus can range from fifty to a hundred dollars depending on size. He said they will not replace the missing cacti.

The HOA reported the crimes to the Palm Springs Police Department. Since then, police say they have increased patrol and residents are now considering petitioning for a gate, private security, cameras and other safety measures.

If you have any information about these crimes or to report your own, contact the Palm Springs Police Department.