Elderly Woman Investigated Over Alleged Plant Theft Spree in Lake Macquarie
Police in Lake Macquarie are investigating a series of unusual thefts after a commercial property garden was allegedly targeted eight times in less than a month. The incidents, which occurred under the cover of night, have left a business on the Pacific Highway at Charlestown with dozens of holes where plants once stood.
CCTV Footage Captures Alleged Thefts
Maintenance workers for the property returned after the Christmas break to discover significant damage to their garden. Upon reviewing security footage, they allegedly uncovered eight separate occasions since December 26 where a woman was seen removing vegetation that had been carefully planted. In one particularly striking image from the CCTV, the woman appeared to be wearing a shirt boldly emblazoned with the phrase 'no rest for the wicked'.
Lake Macquarie police have confirmed they are investigating reports that "several plants" were stolen from outside the business. The CCTV evidence reportedly shows the plants being taken on multiple occasions between Boxing Day and January 20.
Plants Allegedly Listed for Sale Online
The maintenance staff member who spoke with the Newcastle Herald revealed what they described as "the real kicker" in this unusual case. They reported seeing the stolen plants listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. This discovery suggested to them that the alleged thefts were not merely about beautifying someone else's garden but were part of a scheme to turn a profit.
"It's not a good look ... it's just a bit stupid really," the worker commented about the situation.
Police Investigation and Plant Recovery
Following their investigation, police attended a home at Kotara South on Friday, January 23, where they spoke with a 73-year-old woman. While she is assisting police with their inquiries, no charges had been laid as of Tuesday. The maintenance worker reported that a number of plants had been returned to the site in a police paddy wagon, though some were damaged and could not be reused.
The financial impact of the alleged thefts is expected to be substantial. The business is currently waiting on a quote from a landscaping company, but the bill to repair the garden and replace dozens of plants is anticipated to run into the thousands of dollars.
Pattern of Repeated Targeting
The Newcastle Herald understands that more than 20, and possibly up to 50, plants were taken in incidents occurring on specific dates: December 26, January 5, January 8, January 13, January 14, January 17, January 19, and January 20. The maintenance worker noted that hitting the same garden so regularly had become "a bit of a joke" and expressed concern for other potential targets in the area.
While describing the situation as not "traumatising," the worker emphasized that it was still affecting people and they wanted to warn others about this pattern of alleged theft. The investigation continues as police work to determine the full extent of the incidents and whether charges will be laid.
