Gina Field, operational security expert and founder of Nepean Regional Security, recently joined 6PR Radio to discuss an emerging crime trend affecting Australian homeowners: the theft of pot plants and valuable garden specimens. Over the past six months, Gina’s company has experienced a notable increase in security camera installation requests specifically focused on protecting plants and garden areas, prompting her to investigate this growing concern through community forums and client feedback.
During the interview, Gina identified the specific plant varieties being targeted by thieves. High-value specimens including monstera plants, magnolia grandiflora (teddy bear plants) with resale values reaching up to $1,000, maple trees, olive trees, and citrus plants such as lemons and limes are disappearing from front balconies and verandas. Thieves typically focus on smaller potted plants that are easy to grab and carry away, with thefts predominantly occurring during early morning or late evening hours when detection is less likely. The problem intensifies during winter months when homeowners relocate plants from backyards to front balconies to capture more sunlight, inadvertently making them more accessible to opportunistic thieves.
Beyond the financial loss, Gina emphasised the significant sentimental value many of these plants hold for their owners. Some plants commemorate the passing of loved ones, while others are planted when children are born to grow alongside them, representing important life milestones and memories. This emotional attachment makes the loss particularly distressing for victims, even when the monetary value might seem relatively modest.
To address this issue, Gina recommends several practical security solutions. Installing surveillance cameras focused on plant areas, positioning pot plants near ring doorbells for added monitoring, and ensuring homes in low-traffic areas have adequate visibility rather than being concealed by hedges and fences can all serve as deterrents. She also suggests homeowners contact their insurance providers to explore optional coverage for valuable plants, as standard household policies may not adequately protect these items. Gina acknowledges it’s unfortunate that Australians now need to consider such measures to protect their gardens, but emphasises that both the financial investment and sentimental value of these plants warrant proper security precautions.
