Operational security expert Gina Field recently appeared on radio to discuss an unexpected but increasingly common crime affecting Australian households: the theft of pot plants and garden specimens from residential properties. What began as occasional customer inquiries about protecting balcony plants has evolved into a noticeable trend, with more homeowners seeking security solutions to safeguard their valuable greenery.
The issue goes beyond simple garden theft. Premium plants such as Monstera varieties, Magnolia grandiflora (teddy bear magnolias), maple trees, and citrus plants like lemon and lime are fetching significant prices on the resale market—some specimens valued at up to $1,000. This monetary value, combined with the ease of opportunity, has made pot plants an attractive target for thieves. Unlike traditional break-and-enter crimes, these thefts are typically crimes of opportunity committed by passersby, delivery personnel, or even neighbours, often occurring in early morning or evening hours when visibility is low.
Gina highlighted several factors contributing to underreporting of plant theft. Police and insurance companies categorise these incidents within general household theft statistics, making it difficult to track the specific prevalence of the problem. Additionally, many victims don’t report the crimes, assuming police won’t prioritise what appears to be a minor offence, or feeling embarrassed about reporting “just a plant.” However, for many homeowners, these plants hold significant sentimental value—commemorating births, deaths, or other meaningful life events—making the loss far more than financial.
To combat this growing concern, Gina recommended several practical security measures. Installing CCTV cameras and video doorbells provides both deterrent value and evidence if theft occurs. Physical deterrents such as bike locks securing pots, using heavier planters that are difficult to move, or choosing spiky plant varieties can discourage thieves. She also suggested writing names and phone numbers on pot bases to aid in identification if plants appear on resale platforms like Gumtree, and taking photographs for documentation purposes. For particularly valuable landscaping, some insurance companies now offer optional coverage as an added policy feature. Homeowners in low-traffic areas such as cul-de-sacs should be especially vigilant, and those unwilling to invest in security measures might consider relocating prized plants behind side gates where they remain accessible but less visible to opportunistic thieves.
