TIPS: Stop Plant Thieves Cold

• Install proper lighting. Some lighting options include:
• Low-level ambient lighting in the yard. Examples included white holiday lights and solar lights.
• Motion-detector lights. If they turn on only during unwanted activity, ask your neighbors to call 911 if they see any suspicious activity.
• Dusk-till-dawn lighting on your porch and above your doors.
• Utilize surveillance cameras with CLEAR footage at night and that you know how to use. Consider wildlife camera or motion-triggered options.
• Place potted plants in heavy containers.
• Place a fence around the landscaped area.
• Consider screwing containers into the ground with spiral stakes.
• Look outside if your dog barks in the middle of the night or you hear voices in unexpected areas.
• Expensive or rare plants can be targeted. Keep in mind when determining high visibility landscaping.

If your plants are stolen:

• Call 311 (if the loss is under $1000) or 911 (if you have any evidence to hand over, it was inside a structure, or over $1000)

To report it online, visit: www.minneapolismn.gov/police/report/eReport

Police also urge anyone using a contractor or landscaper to do yard work to request that they provide you with a receipt of the plants they bought. 

"Even if they black out the price, this will tell you the date, location, exact plants, and will deter potential stolen plants being used in landscaping you pay for," a statement from police said. 

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