We have had a resident report to us that on May 29 at around 9:30 a.m., a woman was observed digging out large numbers of various flowers including peonies, lilacs and irises from Winchester Street front gardens and placing them in tote bags – one bag was filled to capacity and the other was quickly becoming so.
The thief was described as a caucasion woman, approximately 5’5″ tall, trim in skinny jeans, big sunglasses, with a shawl artistically draped over her shoulder, wavy dark brown loose shoulder-length hair. After taking the flowers, she walked to Riverdale Park West and to the steps leading down to the lower bowl area.
If you have any surveillance footage of the time that you would be comfortable sharing, or have any information on this issue – please let us know or contact Toronto Police. Usually with crimes in progress, the police advise to call 911 but in cases such as this we’ve been advised that calling the police general line (416-808-2222) would have been more appropriate.
Update June 16:
City News ran a story about this issue, featuring a number of Cabbagetown Residents and a “sketch” of the flower thief.
The great Cabbagetown peony caper (citynews.ca)
If you have any information about this or any other matter of similar concern – call Toronto Police. Also, be sure to report crimes of any severity or value to the police as they monitor these reports and assign resources accordingly. If you would like to let fellow residents know also, please contact us and let us know what you would be comfortable with us sharing.
Toronto Police:
416-808-2222 for non-emergency inquiries
911 for emergencies and crimes in progress
Toronto Police CORE (Citizen Online Report Entry)
Toronto Police Bicycle Registration Form