UPDATE: Agave plants are being hacked throughout Torrance, raising alarm among residents. Multiple homeowners report that their beloved blue agaves have been targeted, with leaves cut down to mere stubs, and the community is demanding answers.
This disturbing trend began in 2022, with grainy surveillance footage capturing white vans creeping through neighborhoods during the early morning hours. The thieves approach stealthily, parking at angles to hide their identities while they chop off the thick, waxy leaves of these iconic plants. Homeowner Richard Moore revealed that his property is among several hit repeatedly, leaving many residents baffled about the motivations behind these thefts.
“We’ve seen this happen multiple times, and it just doesn’t make sense,” said Moore. Fellow resident Steven Maier echoed his sentiments, questioning, “Why on Earth would anybody steal these leaves?”
The agave theft epidemic isn’t isolated to Torrance. In 2022, full plants were stolen in upscale neighborhoods like Crestview, with thieves believed to be after the valuable piña, the plant’s heart used for tequila production. Across California and beyond, reports of agave and succulent thefts have linked many incidents to suspected resale for culinary purposes.
What sets Torrance apart is that while the plants are severely damaged, they aren’t being completely uprooted. Resident Gayle Moore recounted how her 7-foot-tall blue agave was slashed not once but twice, most recently on November 9, 2022. “Last time, they cut closer to the trunk, and I wasn’t sure if the leaves would grow back,” she stated, expressing her frustration.
Experts from the California Botanic Garden believe the leaf hacking may stem from a misguided attempt to prune for sidewalk access. However, Samuel Sandoval Solis, a professor at UC Davis, suggests the leaves may be harvested for barbacoa, a traditional Mexican dish. “You have people here who love barbacoa or at least want to sell the leaves to those making it,” he explained.
Despite the damage, experts reassure homeowners that agave plants typically regenerate their leaves. “What might appear as vandalism could simply be a form of harvesting,” Solis added.
Residents are left on edge, questioning how to protect their plants while pondering the motivations behind these peculiar thefts. As the community seeks answers, authorities are urged to step up vigilance in monitoring these late-night activities.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation and what measures can be taken to safeguard Torrance’s agave plants. Local residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and share information that could lead to identifying the culprits behind this bizarre trend.
