Greenhouse-garden center in Preston vandalized

Preston — The Hart’s Greenhouse and Garden Center at 99 Route 2A was vandalized Sunday night, when someone meticulously cut approximately 100 irrigation lines used to water and fertilize hundreds of mum plants behind the greenhouses, according to state police and a post on the business’ Facebook page.

Preston Resident State Trooper Kalen Brown said the damage likely was done late Sunday evening or early Monday. Police have no suspects and are asking the public to contact them with any information. Call Brown at Troop E at (860) 848-6500, ext. 5004.

Hart’s owners, David and Joyce Hart, could not be reached for comment Tuesday. On the business’ Facebook page, the owners posted a message saying they believe the damage occurred when staff were away at a summer staff picnic.

“Someone trespassed onto our Preston farm and purposely and maliciously cut hundreds of our drip tubes (with either scissors or a very sharp knife),” the post said. “These drip tubes deliver water and fertilizer to our patio mum crop, they also conserve water. This was not a quick and easy task, someone had to have spent a good amount of time doing this. If anyone has any information please let us know or Troop E Montville state police. Thank you.” off the highway, causing congestion and traffic backups in parts of Norwich that included West Main Street, West Town Street and New London Turnpike.

The highway reopened about 8:25 p.m.