Plant thefts hit restored garden

Plant thieves have made repeated raids on a garden on Gower being restored to its 1930s pomp.

A variety of flowers and shrubs have been stolen at night time from Caswell, near Swansea, and it is believed those responsible have botanical knowledge.

Paul and Linda Griffiths have dedicated the last three years to returning the garden to how it looked 80 years ago when part of the Summerland Estate.

Police are investigating the theft of £250 worth of plants in four raids.

The thief or thieves seem to have targeted specific plants and each time they have been carefully removed and the holes filled in.

The couple bought the garden three years ago and using old pictures of the estate as a guide, and with the help of family and friends, have restored the grounds.

Mortgage adviser Mr Griffiths said: "When we arrived everything was basically like a jungle.

"My wife is a keen gardener and it caught my imagination. It is something that we have really enjoyed doing."

As well as cutting back the overgrowth, restoring the main lawn and stone walls, they have also planted a wide variety of flowers and shrubs.

But on four occasions during the past month they have been raided.

"There is a public walkway that overlooks the garden," said Mr Griffiths.

"It is pitch black down here at night. They either use a torch or come at the crack of dawn."

Among the plants taken were a Cordyline Red Star, Hydrangeas, Sambucus Sutherland Gold and Agapanthus Miniature.

"They can be bought online or at gardening centres," added Mr Griffiths.

"We don't know why they are doing it - whether it's for their own use or they are selling them.

"My wife said it's definitely someone who knows something about flowers because they have not just picked anything.

"At the end of the day they are not of great value but they are taking a big risk if they were caught."

Police have been called and are appealing to anyone who sees anything suspicious in the Caswell Road area to contact them.

Call the Gower neighbourhood police team on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.