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The gardening community in the UK is facing a troubling trend. Recent research by Allianz UK reveals that about two-thirds of gardeners have experienced plant theft. Many feel this issue is worsening, with nearly half of gardeners noticing more thefts in their neighborhoods. On average, gardeners spend around £300 on a single plant, making such losses especially painful.

A concerning statistic is that over 50% of gardeners have no home insurance that covers stolen plants. Expert botanist James Wong has highlighted the top plants thieves are after this summer. These include coveted species that can fetch high prices, like Japanese Maple Trees and rare Peonies, which sometimes sell for over £200.

Wong warns that gardeners should be more vigilant. “The horticultural community has seen a rise in thefts,” he states. He encourages owners of popular plants to take precautions against theft.

Interestingly, during the pandemic, certain plants gained huge popularity online, with individual cuttings valued in the hundreds. This surge in interest has only made popular plants more desirable targets for thieves.

Top 10 Plants Most at Risk This Summer

1. Japanese Maple Trees: Mature specimens can be incredibly valuable.
2. Peonies: Some rare types are slow to grow and can bring in over £200.
3. Lemon Trees: Easily identifiable, these can retail for as much as £950.
4. Bonsai Trees: A 50-year-old bonsai can be worth around £5,000.
5. Newly-Planted Trees: Young varieties like Magnolias are easy to steal.
6. Tasmanian Tree Ferns: Worth up to £100 per foot as they grow.
7. Windmill Palms: Often stored in easy-to-take containers, can sell for more than £1,000.
8. Olive Trees: High value and often kept in small pots outside homes.
9. Designer Hydrangeas: New varieties can go for about £100.
10. Variegated Monstera: Can be valued over £500, especially during the lockdown.

Matt Cox, Allianz UK’s chief claims officer, underscores the emotional toll of plant theft. He notes that gardens are labor-intensive sanctuaries for many people. This trend emphasizes the need for gardeners to adopt security measures.

Protecting Your Garden

Here are some practical tips to keep your plants safe:

• Hide Valuable Plants: Store prized plants in back gardens, away from street view.
• Use Thorny Hedges: Planting prickly shrubs like hawthorn can deter thieves.
• Create Noise: Gravel or bark paths can alert you to intruders, making it harder for them to sneak around.
• Timing Matters: Plant during dormancy seasons, like winter, to keep them off thieves’ radars until spring.
• Sow Seeds: Growing your lawn from seed makes it immovable, unlike turf.
• Mark for Tracking: Using a UV pen with your postcode can help reclaim stolen items.
• Neighborhood Watch: Collaborate with neighbors to monitor your gardens and report any suspicious activity.

By taking these steps, gardeners can enhance their chances of protecting their beloved plants from theft. Engaging the community for support can also make a significant difference in keeping gardens safe.

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James Wong, BBC, Countryfile, Question Time, Burglary, House insurance, Flowers