Chiswick House Gardens Hit by Spate of Plant Thefts
Several shrubs have been taken or damaged over last two weeks
The shrubbery in the Rosary, where the latest thefts took place. Picture: Chiswick House & Gardens
December 20, 2024
Chiswick House and Gardens Trust is reporting that there has been a spate of thefts of plants in the grounds over the last two weeks.
Although criminals stealing plants is an endemic problem for it and other public gardens, recently the issue appears to have escalated with several shrubs removed last week, including some larger established plants, and a number of others damaged by attempts to pull them out.
More plants have since been stolen this week, including Ninebarks, elephants’ ears and anemones with thefts taking place in the garden’s shrubbery and rosary.
The Trust, which looks after the 65-acre green space, is a charity, working to keep the gardens free and open to all, every day.
“These thefts are extremely upsetting and demoralising for everybody involved especially as the rosary is led and looked after by one of our volunteers,” said Rosie Fyles, Head of Gardens at Chiswick House & Gardens Trust.
“Selfish, destructive behaviour like diminishes the garden for everyone, creates an unsightly appearance and adds to the workload of our dedicated team.
“Chiswick House & Gardens Trust is a charity. Our gardens cannot survive without public support.”
The police have been notified and cameras installed to deter further thefts. In the meantime, the garden’s team are asking visitors to keep an eye out and get in touch, via the Trust’s website, if they notice anything of concern.
Such thefts have been a persistent issue for parks and gardens across the UK causing disruption to the aesthetics and biodiversity of parks but also wasting public resources and undermining the efforts of local councils and volunteers.
Plants are taken for both resale and personal use and the problem is believed to have got worse with more people taking up gardening as a hobby leading to shortages and higher prices.
As well has CCTV some gardens have put markers on plants and worked in cooperation with local garden centres to identify thieves.
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