Police catch wild garlic thieves in Leipzig and northern Saxony

The wild garlic season hasn't even started yet, but the first plant thieves are already on the move, according to the police. During the night, a total of six men were arrested in Leipzig and northern Saxony for allegedly digging up almost 100 kilograms of wild garlic bulbs in Leipzig's alluvial forest.

The suspects are between 26 and 39 years old, the police said. They are being investigated on suspicion of gang theft.

Shopping bags full of wild garlic bulbs

Three men were noticed when a car was stopped near Wermsdorf. The police detected a strong smell of wild garlic and found several shopping bags full of wild garlic bulbs and harvesting tools in the trunk.

Lipzig officers then checked a spot in Leipzig's alluvial forest that is known for the theft of the plants from previous years. Three other men were discovered there with bags full of wild garlic bulbs in their car. Two of them had already been caught red-handed stealing wild garlic in Borna a few days ago.

Wild garlic theft has been an issue for years

The police have been dealing with wild garlic theft for years, especially in Leipzig. Time and again, groups have been caught deliberately taking large quantities from the riparian forest. According to the investigators, this is how business is done - for example, customers in the catering industry are suspected.

Strict rules actually apply to the collection of the plant. Only one bunch of leaves per person is allowed. According to the law, even one leaf picked in a nature reserve is too many. The wild garlic season usually begins at the end of February or beginning of March.