THIEVES are roaming the streets of Richmond late at night and stealing expensive plants, ornaments and even garden gnomes.

Residents in the Alberts first reported a series of thefts, all within a matter of a few weeks, however the problem is thought to be more widespread.

Federico Minen, of Albert Road, said: "We woke up few days ago with a missing lavender with its porcelain pot of course.

"Some garden gnomes were stolen just outside our friend's house in Albany passage and other people had two medium sized olive trees in large planters stolen from their front garden on the corner of Mount Ararat Road and Dynevor Road."

He told Nub News: "We were quite shocked, we would have never thought about that happening.

"I remember my mum saying 'Are you sure you want to leave those beautiful pots out there?'. And I even joked, telling her "People don't steal stuff here!". But there we go.

"We were already quite angry because every now and then in the morning we found some pee next to the pots, most likely dogs with careless owners, but this…'

Other residents across the area have reported thefts of plants and ornaments. One suggested thieves have stooped to stealing plants from graves at Richmond Cemetery on Lower Grove Road, while there are reports of freshly planted plants being stolen from Bushy Park.

• Are you a victim of garden or gnome thieves? If so, please let us know at – [email protected]