More than a third of gardeners have been victims of plant theft, and new research shows the problem is only getting worse – with botanist James Wong naming the ten plants most at risk from thieves
Gardeners across the UK are in fear of plant theft this summer, with more than a third having fallen victim, but there are things you can do to stop thieves in their tracks, as top botanist James Wong identifies the ten plants most at risk.
Japanese maples, peonies and lemon trees top the chart of specimens prized by crooks, thanks to their hefty price tags and slow growth. Around 67% of gardeners have been victims of plant theft and the problem is getting worse, with 46% saying the problem is on the rise in their neighbourhood, according to new research from Allianz UK.
“Over the past few years the horticultural community says it has seen an increase in the number of plants that are being pinched from gardens,” Wong says. “Owners of these common plants, flowers, shrubs and trees should take steps to protect their beloved plants this summer.”
The poll also revealed that we’re a nation of garden lovers with 38% ranking their plants as their most prized possessions and 27% saying they like plants more than people. But despite this 56% admit that they don’t have home insurance that covers garden theft, despite some paying as much as £300 for a single plant.
In 2024, Allianz paid out more than £212,000 to customers for garden theft-related claims. Former Met police superintendent Dr Leroy Logan MBE says that protecting your property is essential and has shared his top, budget-friendly tips to deter thieves.
1. Out of sight, out of trouble
Store your most valuable plants and garden ornaments in the back garden, away from prying eyes.
Thieves are often opportunistic and go for quick wins, so don’t make it easy for them. More exotic plants and trees can be a magnet for thieves, so keeping these out of public view is smart security. Simple steps like fencing, shrubs, or trellis screening can help reduce visibility from the street and keep your garden safe.
2. Natural defences that fight back
Plant thorny hedges like hawthorn or pyracantha around vulnerable gates, low fences and other access points. These don’t just look good, they work hard and act as a natural burglar deterrent. Use soil-based potting mix rather than compost in containers – this makes your pots twice as heavy and harder to steal.
3. Make some noise
Lay down gravel paths or bark chips that crunch underfoot around key areas of your garden.
These materials may seem like a simple gardening choice but in rural and suburban settings, this cost-effective step can alert you – or your dog – to someone approaching.
4. Plan your planting
Newly planted plants and trees can be a magnet for thieves, especially prized or ornamental varieties. While still settling into the soil, they can be lifted in seconds, often vanishing before you’ve even had a chance to mulch them.
To stay one step ahead, consider planting in winter when they are dormant. They’re less likely to catch a thief’s eye – no flashy foliage, no obvious new growth – just a quiet start for what will become a garden standout come spring.
5. Sow and grow
A clever security tip is to sow your lawn from seed. Unlike rolls of turf, no one’s going to be able to walk off with it. It’s simply not stealable once it’s in the ground. Best of all, it can cost a fraction of the cost of turf, and it’s as simple as scatter, rake, and wait.
6. Tag it to track it
A lesser-known trick is to use a UV pen or plant-safe forensic liquid to mark valuables with your postcode. This creates a trackable link to you and your plants should you ever need to produce proof of ownership. Always photograph rare plants or tools and keep a log, so you can act fast if something goes missing. This will be a great asset for the police if they need to get involved.
7. Watchful neighbours work wonders
You can’t watch your gardens 24 hours a day so enlist the help of your neighbours. Set up a Garden Watch to keep your neighbourhood safe.
Community eyes are one of the strongest deterrents to garden theft. Also, if something rare is stolen, let your local garden centre or horticultural society know. These tight-knit groups often spot when unusual plants are being sold on.
Plants most likely to be pinched
- Japanese Maples : Can be worth thousands of pounds at full maturity so planting one in an easy-to-pinch pot puts it at risk
- Peonies : Notoriously slow-growing and tricky to propagate, some rare forms can sell for over £200
- Lemon Trees: These cost for as much as £950, making them targets for opportunistic thieves
- Bonsai : Probably the most valuable outdoor plant in terms of resale value per kilo. A 50-year-old bonsai could be worth £5,000
- Newly-Planted Trees : Trees like Magnolias often fall foul of burglaries when they’re young, as they can be easily stolen from gardens before their roots take hold
- Tasmanian Tree Ferns: Opportunistic thieves can sneakily clip a cutting and make a killing as they’re worth as much as £100 for every foot they grow
- Windmill Palms: Often housed in easy-to-take containers and can retail for over £1000, making them a prime target for thieves
- Olive Trees: These high-value trees can live for hundreds of years, but often start life in small plant pots outside people’s houses
- Designer Hydrangeas: The new generation of designer hydrangea varieties costs as much as £100
- Variegated Monstera: Individual cuttings of this sold for thousands online during lockdown, and a metre-high specimen could still be worth more than £500