Robbers steal big from
Xmas tree lot

RAYNHAM, MASS. (WPRI) - Police are searching for bandits who broke in to a garden center and ripped off more than a thousand dollars worth of merchandise.

Paul Berlo of The Garden Patch on Route 44 said the crooks broke through a rear fence back on Thanksgiving and stole lots of smaller merchandise, from baskets to Christmas lights, amounting to about $1500.

Then, Saturday night, someone broke in through the fence in the front and made off with a 14-foot tree.

"It would take a lot of people to move; I don't even know why you'd want a 14-foot tree!" said Berlo, chuckling in disbelief.

Berlo and his wife, co-owners of the center, are upset: "It still hasn't dawned on me, I just don't understand why," Berlo said Sunday.

Berlo said he'd already put up large spotlights that burn all night to ward off thieves, but didn't know what his next step was going to be. "Stop and Shop's right across the street, so I can't believe... someone would try to attempt that without someone seeing them."

Police and other local sellers are now watching to see if the thieves will try and hawk the stolen goods at flea markets or elsewhere.

"I guess they want to give it for gifts," Berlo said.