Man arrested as stolen Japanese maple trees returned to Calgary restaurant

Two rare Japanese maple trees stolen from outside a Calgary restaurant early Monday morning have been returned.

Security camera footage showed a man uprooting the two decorative trees from large planters around 3 a.m. on Monday.

The video was uploaded toanInstagramaccount, which was quickly shared amongCalgarians.

"It's just another example of how powerful social media can be," says Devin Morrison, director of operations with the TeatroRestaurant Group,whichownsthe newly-openedRoyaleBrasserie on 17 Avenue S.W.

Calgary tree thief caught on CCTV along with canine partner in crime

8 years ago

Duration 0:36

A man with his dog was caught on camera stealing two valuable trees on 17 Avenue early Monday.

The man in the video was seenwrestlingthe trees from the planters while holding his Jack Russell dog on a leash.

Morrison says Calgary police told him they have arrested a man in connection with the theft.

"The trees are back and in fantastic condition. We already have them replanted and they're back where they were on Monday morning," saysMorrison.

He says moral support, from the public and other restaurants, has beenoverwhelming.

"Hopefully by now everybody knows to try to respect them and to leave the treeswhere they are."