The Seville City Council has fitted tracking devices to several Cuban palm trees on Aeronáutica Avenue, in Sevilla Este, so they can be located if they are stolen again.
The measure, which municipal sources say is a first in Spain, comes after the disappearance of around ten trees, an incident already under investigation by the National Police.
The palm trees, a species in the Arecaceae family that is highly valued for ornamental use, cost approximately 500 euros each, including their purchase, planting and adaptation to the urban environment.
The Parks and Gardens Department decided to fit the chips after filing several complaints with the aim of making it easier to locate the trees and helping to identify those responsible for the thefts.
The investigation has advanced thanks to a witness who alerted the council and provided photographs of a person allegedly linked to the thefts. In addition, security cameras in the area made it possible to connect the suspect to some of the disappearances.
Council technicians point out that removing these palm trees requires specialist knowledge and specific tools because of their size and weight.
The council has also reported the disappearance of around 100 SunPatiens ornamental plants in San Jerónimo Park, with a financial loss of nearly 400 euros.
These thefts have heightened concern among municipal authorities about a possible increase in the theft of vegetation from public spaces.
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