In the UK, cases of plant theft have escalated into alarming levels, prompting the Times to warn that the nation is on the brink of a “plant theft epidemic”. According to a recent study by a leading insurer, 67% of gardeners have been victims of plant theft. These professional criminals not only target home gardens but nurseries and nature reserves as well – stealing rare plants growing naturally in those protected areas.
Sadly for plant lovers, the harsh reality today is that the quiet joy of gardening can be quickly shattered by thieves making off with their prized green companions. Thankfully however, there are many practical steps you can take to better protect your plants from opportunistic and seasoned thieves. Some can be carried out on your own. Others are best left to professionals who can help ensure the highest level of protection for your horticultural treasures.
In this blog, we feature ten proven ways to keep plant thieves out of your garden, as recommended by an expert from locksmith Bradford.
10 Effective Ways to Protect Your Plants from Thieves
1. Use heavy planters.
Plant your larger, more mature plants in big, heavy planters. Hauling away such a conspicuous item without attracting attention is so difficult that thieves generally avoid it. However, it can still happen. You can reduce the risk by securing the planter with a chain or anchoring it to the ground with a floor-mounted bracket. It’s also a good idea to mark expensive planters with your postcode to make it harder to resell and easier to identify if stolen.
2. Plant them on the ground.
Stealing plants growing on soil takes time and tools as thieves need to ensure that the roots remain undamaged. Additionally, mature plants with well-established root systems are nearly impossible to dig out. The risk of being noticed or caught whilst doing this is generally so high that thieves typically leave such plants alone. Locksmiths advise that if you have security cameras, make sure they cover areas where valuable plants are directly planted in the ground.
3. Keep your expensive plants out of sight.
It’s tempting, for opportunistic thieves – or even plant-loving passersby or neighbours – to snip a cutting or two from your rare plants or just steal them outright if they’re in your front garden. If possible, keep your treasured plants in your back garden. If you don’t have one, planting a hedge of thorny shrubs around your expensive plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage people from reaching for them.
4. Harvest ripe fruits and veggies.
Fruits and vegetables ready for picking may indeed end up being picked – by passersby or neighbours who may not be able to resist the temptation to do so – or even hungry animals. The best way to keep this from happening is by harvesting your crops regularly. That way, there’s no garden bounty left for either people or animals to steal.
5. Secure Long Stems
Make it difficult for passersby to steal cuttings from your long-stemmed plants by using cable ties or chains to secure them to a fence or a tree branch. Although thieves may come equipped with cutters, passers-by won’t bother trying to break off a stem without tools.
6. Keep fences and walls low in front gardens
If you install a low wall and fence in your front garden, you can benefit from the increased level of natural surveillance they provide. Potential thieves will think twice about stealing your plants when they know they’re clearly visible to neighbours, passersby, and even people driving past. Additionally, without the shadows or dark areas to hide in that high walls provide, it’s much harder to move unnoticed or avoid raising suspicion.
Plant thieves may avoid your front garden during the day but might attempt to steal at night. To help scare them off, locksmiths suggest installing motion sensor lights in the area. These lights automatically switch on when movement is detected, potentially exposing intruders to people nearby and alerting you, the homeowner.
7. Secure your Garden Gate
Protecting your garden valuables from theft begins with having a garden gate that effectively keeps intruders out. It must always be in good condition; if it isn’t, fix or replace it as soon as possible. The kind of lock you put on your gate is of critical importance. No matter how strong and sturdy it is, if it can be easily opened, it offers little to no protection. Professional locksmiths can help you choose the lock that provides the best security for your specific gate and install it properly. They can also give you advice on how to reinforce your gate’s defenses, such as installing a second lock or adding a security bar.
8. Put up warning signs.
Strategically placing signs that indicate your garden is under CCTV surveillance can help deter potential plant thieves – whether they’re opportunistic passers-by or professional burglars. Although these signs work, pairing them with actual security devices and positioning them where they can be seen by potential intruders is far more effective. Studies have shown that thieves tend to avoid properties with both signs and security devices in place.
9. Install a security camera that monitors your entire garden area.
A camera that provides a full view of your garden helps eliminate blind spots. This reduces the likelihood of theft or trespassing caused by leaving certain areas unmonitored. However, it is important to follow CCTV privacy regulations when installing monitoring equipment. DIY security camera kits are an affordable solution, but installing them still requires some technical skills. Also, not all of them are high quality and they often come with limited warranty and support.
If you want to ensure you get a reliable surveillance camera system that’s properly installed, enlisting the services of expert locksmiths is an excellent option. They can help you choose the best security camera for your home, install them securely, and identify the most strategic locations for optimal coverage. Many of these experts also offer troubleshooting services and ongoing maintenance.
10. Install automatic security lighting.
For potential intruders, security lighting is a threat that triggers the fear of being caught, which often leads them to abandon their plans. In addition, the illumination reduces or even eliminates dark areas where they could hide, restricting their movements. Finally, if a crime does occur in a well-lit area, investigators will be able to review clearer footage, making it easier to identify people, actions, and objects captured on camera.
Just like with surveillance cameras, skilled locksmiths can provide you with recommendations on the most suitable security lighting for your property and properly install them in the most strategic spots. Some even offer ongoing service and maintenance.
Final Words
Today, rare and expensive plants have become prime targets for thieves who relentlessly steal from home gardens, nurseries, and even nature reserves. Thankfully there are actionable steps plant lovers can take to avoid falling victim to plant theft. With the help of professional locksmiths, you can be confident your plants are effectively protected from this growing epidemic. Secure your plants ASAP – reach out today!
