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Ian's cut deep by tree theft

Stuart Greer
27/12/2006

A BONSAI collector has been left devastated after trees worth thousands of pounds were stolen from his home.

Ian Herod, 58, has practised the Eastern art of aesthetic miniaturisation of trees by growing them in pots for 20 years.

He has spent hours every week meticulously pruning, cutting and creating them into mini masterpieces.

However, thieves who broke into his garden and greenhouse in Shaw stole 25 trees - 80 per cent of his collection, one of which is worth £500.

Ian said: "I can't believe it. I still feel terrible about it now. It's going to be on my mind all over Christmas and New Year. I spent 20 years on these trees and someone who doesn't appreciate these things has taken them. I am absolutely gutted."

Ian's interest in bonsai began when he moved house, discovered several small trees in his garden and potted them.

Then a chance notice in the Advertiser alerted him to the Daisy Nook Bonsai Club, which he duly joined and remained a member until it disbanded.

He said: "I liked the idea of having miniature versions of the huge trees that surround us, the beauty with these ones is that you can have some control over how big they actually grow."

Ian, who works for a solvent and chemical manufacturer, had gone onto become a serious collector and has groomed some of his trees for 15 years.

The miniatures were kept in his greenhouse and on a garden display bench.

However, earlier this month Ian's garage alarm went off at 5am and he discovered his trees had gone and his wife's car had been damaged by a vehicle used to steal them.

"This was theft to order," he said. "These people knew what they were after - it wasn't just a chance finding. They interfered with security lights and used a small pick-up truck."

Ian fears the thieves will return and is considering increasing security. He is also contacting the bonsai fraternity to alert them to the theft.

"Each tree is unique and can be recognised as one of mine," he said. "I am hoping that someone in the area has noticed my plants, while they are being transported. On the other hand I am frightened someone will just dump them somewhere."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 872 50 50 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.