Why steal beauty that is meant for us all? So on Tuesday of this week, I went to my city garden, which I have been tending and maintaining for the last 10 years. I go there at least two times a week from May through October. For the last three of four years, I have designed the flower bed by myself.

I am volunteer. I do not get pain by the city to do this but I want to contribute to the beauty of the city.

For so many years, Colorado Springs has been known and praised for it’s beautiful , colorful medians and flower beds.

Unfortunately, for the past two years, there have been a rash of thefts, not only in my flower bed but in many across the city.

My flower bed or I should say our flower bed is by a stop light. So, I imagine that individuals just hop out of their cars, dig up a plant or two and go on their way. Who does this? What kind of person would do this?

These flower beds are property of the city. These beds are adopted, planted and maintained by volunteers like me, mainly senior citizens. These flower beds are meant to create beauty for us all.

Why do the thieves think they have the right to take away from the beauty of the design and what is meant to be enjoyed by all?

Valerie Shereck

Colorado Springs