Daylight shrubbery! Thieves strike in Kate’s ‘back garden’

LIGHT-fingered thieves are undoing the work of greenfingered ground staff at London’s Royal Parks – by stealing plants from their displays.

Specimens worth hundreds of pounds have vanished from borders in Hyde Park and Kensington Palace Gardens – known as ‘Kate’s back garden’ as the Palace is home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry when they are in London.

The thefts have forced parks staff to secure plants into the ground using wire to stop any more losses, and green plastic signs warning visitors to ‘Be Aware – Plant Theft!’ have been put up in the parks to encourage visitors to look out for crooks.

Plants stolen include geraniums, salvias, begonias and morning glory, all ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes or patio pots – and all easily grown in any garden.

A Royal Parks spokesman said: ‘It is curious, because the main plants being stolen are not very expensive. It could be the thieves just fancy the plants for their window box. We have no idea if they are being yanked out of the ground or if people are bringing in garden tools and big bags especially for the purpose.’

He added: ‘We have to clean up the mess and replace the plants, and this ruins our displays.’

About 77million people a year visit the Royal Parks.

The spokesman added: ‘Sadly there are a small number who believe they have the right to come in and steal.

‘We’re proud of our internationally famous displays, most of which continue to look beautiful, but it’s a shame that a minority try to ruin it for others.’