Police nab alleged Atascadero succulent thief

Police on Tuesday cited and released a woman suspected to have stolen potted succulent plants from outside businesses in Atascadero and Nipomo.

Memorial Day weekend surveillance footage from a camera outside K-Jon’s Fine Jewelers appears to show Esther Fingerson, 41, of Atascadero allegedly ripping succulents out of planters near the store and carrying them away in a box. KSBY reports Fingerson also allegedly swiped plants from The Mayor’s Place, a Nipomo restaurant.

After the surveillance footage appeared online, an anonymous tip helped police identify Fingerson and her vehicle, according to a report filed by Sgt. Caleb Davis of the Atascadero Police Department.

Officers contacted Fingerson, who allegedly admitted to taking the plants. She received a misdemeanor citation and was ordered to appear in court, Davis said.

It’s unclear at this time why Fingerson allegedly stole the succulents.

This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 7:52 PM with the headline "Police nab alleged Atascadero succulent thief."