Crime & Safety

Lamorinda Crime: The Case of the Pilfered Potted Orchid

Move aside Black Dahlia, call in The Thin Man - Moraga PD is investigating the baffling case of the Pilfered Potted Orchid.

Admittedly not your average blighted, high-crime town - that's not to say Moraga doesn't see its share of puzzling criminal cases.

Take the Case of the Potted Orchid. We've seen folks rip off cars, electronics, tiptoe across rooftops to make off with copper wire - but now it seems they're even going after the local flora and fauna.

Moraga police were called to a home in the 100 block of Devin Dr. recently by a concerned homeowner who'd noticed that someone had entered her backyard and made off with her prized Orchidaceae.

Find out what's happening in Lamorindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police found that sometime between 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 28 and 3 p.m. Thursday the following day, a stealthy thief made his or her way into the victim's yard, hefted a 50-pound pot placed against the victim's kitchen wall and made off with it - somehow getting past two wooden gates without being seen and leaving other items behind.

Investigators admit that at this point the case is likely destined for the "unsolved" files as the daring orchid snatcher left no leads or evidence behind. The orchid's former owner requests that the thief remember to water the pilfered plant when possible.

Find out what's happening in Lamorindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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