Bonsai Theif CAUGHT!!!

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http://www.wtsp.com/news/watercooler/article/214084/58/Bonsai-Bandit-caught-in-Fort-Myers

Is the tree ok?

Wow, that's creepy. He looks like a young version of the guy that poisoned the Toomer's Corner Live Oaks at Auburn.

Yes. A fine, upstanding example of humanity.

Glad he got caught and I hope the book hurts when they throw it at him.

reg-i wrote:Is the tree ok?

I have no idea. All I know is what the report says. The "tree" [trees] where at his house.

Notice of this theft had been posted, along with surveillance camera snapshots of the theft, on another posting. Based on that, the bonsai community spread that information until the right persons recognized the culprit. Their tips to the police led them to his front door.

Russell Coker wrote:Wow, that's creepy. He looks like a young version of the guy that poisoned the Toomer's Corner Live Oaks at Auburn.

This is even creepier. Both also happened in Lee County. Granted in different states but 1 too many coincidences.

I'm so glad they caught this guy. I just worry the punishment may not be severe enough. Glad this is behind us though. Now I just hope they can find the thieves of NE Bonsai.

Have a great week you guys!!!!!
Sam

recently I assisted a Korean Bonsai master at a korean festival in a neighboring community. he spoke little english
and i answered many questions for those interested but unable to communicate. One of the most frequent asked
questions were the value or cost.(second most asked was how old was it) I deliberately told them I didn't know, because the trees he used to work on were from a nearby public bonsai display. All this to say, I shuttered when I read the news coverage of this theft where they valued the tree at 5 grand. You don't suppose, another thief out there would think themselves smarter then this guy and interested now in this new revenue opportunity?

Might I suggest, the next opportunity a reporter asks about a living piece of art, the value is discribed more in the
term of what went into the effort to design and keep it alive thru the generations then giving it a monetary value.
just saying...

In my other hobby, japanese Colored carp...Koi...the same thing plays out because people push the dollar (or pound) value and thefts happen because of it.

It's the same reason for both these hobby clubs that many do not list their address on a club roster or have
their name left off signage of who owns bonsai on display.

If he doesn't have a long record he will be allowed to plead down to a misdemeanor and get a few months probation.

I am glad he was caught, but five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), come on....

Well that's good news to the bonsai owner and bad news for the bonsai thief.

Anyway, this guy reminds me of the dog in "Spaceballs" haha!

Russell Coker wrote:Wow, that's creepy. He looks like a young version of the guy that poisoned the Toomer's Corner Live Oaks at Auburn.

That's sounds like an interesting story to tell in itself!! Tree poisoner!!

Katoom wrote:

Anyway, this guy reminds me of the dog in "Spaceballs" haha!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hdDfz3pI2EQ/TUNSD0FJ2SI/AAAAAAAAAxE/aALZd59_rug/s1600/Barf.jpg

The resemblance is striking, isn't it?

Glad they caught this loser!

Ian Young wrote:

Russell Coker wrote:Wow, that's creepy. He looks like a young version of the guy that poisoned the Toomer's Corner Live Oaks at Auburn.

That's sounds like an interesting story to tell in itself!! Tree poisoner!!

Ian, here's the lastest...

http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/oaks.html

Gotta love college football in Alabama

Russell Coker wrote:

Ian Young wrote:

Russell Coker wrote:Wow, that's creepy. He looks like a young version of the guy that poisoned the Toomer's Corner Live Oaks at Auburn.

That's sounds like an interesting story to tell in itself!! Tree poisoner!!

Ian, here's the lastest...

http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/oaks.html

Gotta love college football in Alabama

Thanks Russell. There's always someone willing to take that extra step to do a prank massively more stupid that the last guy!!

Russell Coker wrote:Wow, that's creepy. He looks like a young version of the guy that poisoned the Toomer's Corner Live Oaks at Auburn.

I googled the guy who (allegedly) poisoned the oaks (Harvey A. Updyke Jr). You're right, they really do look similar...almost like brothers. Very strange coincidence. Just glad they've both been caught.

Chris

Just thought we could all do with a comparison shot of the 3 in question

I'm so glad that this one came to a successful conclusion. Just hope that the value of adequate, good quality cctv coverage is recognised and and utilised by as many shows and owners as possible.

Ugly Mofo, hope they jin his fingers for his thievery

Regards

Andy