Two New Orleans-Area Garden Shops Hit by Suspected Bonsai Tree Thief

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Two garden centers in the New Orleans metropolitan area are reeling after a suspected thief targeted their valuable collections of bonsai trees, stealing several high-value specimens.

The thefts occurred over a short span of time at two separate nursery and garden shops in the region. The owner of one shop reported that the thief bypassed other merchandise to target specific, mature bonsai trees that require years of care and are highly valued by collectors. Some of the stolen trees are worth thousands of dollars due to their age and styling.

Surveillance footage from the stores captured a suspect examining the plants before removing them under the cover of night. Local business owners are sharing warnings and photos of the stolen trees on social media, hoping that local gardening enthusiasts or nurseries will recognize them if the thief attempts to resell them.

The local police departments are coordinating to investigate the incidents and determine if the same individual is responsible for both thefts. Anyone with information on the location of the unique bonsai trees is asked to contact law enforcement.