Propagating from a cutting is easy from aloe vera plants, so if you have a plant in your neighbourhood, ask the owners permission to get a cutting and do it yourself:
1. Find a healthy leaf that is at least 8cm long, and cut it at its base on an angle with a sharp knife.
2. Lie the leaf somewhere warm and dry for one to two weeks, or until the base of the leaf has dried out.
3. In a pot, lay about three centimetres of gravel or small stones in the base.
4. Dampen the soil for the pot by pouring the soil onto a tarp and adding a little water. Mix it up so the soil is damp, but not soggy, then add the soil to the pot.