Strange News50-Foot Tree Heist Stumps Homeowner
By Associated Press
Fri Aug 17, 4:37 PM
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - The theft of a 50-foot backyard tree has a Conejo Valley homeowner stumped. Kelley Fornatoro left on vacation Aug. 2 and returned a week later to find her 50-foot California pepper tree missing. Police Capt. Randy Pentis said it was felony grand theft.
"It's creepy. I want them to get these guys," Fornatoro said, adding she feels violated.
Oxnard-based Julian's Tree Care said someone called for removal of the nearly 30-year-old tree. It took two days to cut it down at a cost of $3,500.
The company hasn't been paid and police also consider Julian's Tree Care a victim. Experts said it would cost up to $60,000 to replace the tree.
Fornatoro called a neighbor who watched her house while she was away and the neighbor was shocked to learn Fornatoro wasn't behind removal of the tree.
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Information from: Ventura County Star, http://venturacountystar.com
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