A phantom flower snatcher has been caught on camera during an early morning raid.

A woman with a black dog was captured on CCTV as she brazenly strode across a resident's drive and stooped down to snatch a yellow potted plant from the front garden. She even had a blue plastic bag ready to put the plant in.

Plant pilferer caught in the act

Gill McIver, 59, captured the dastardly deed at Kemsley, Sittingbourne, and uploaded photographs to social media.

She said: "I am fuming. We came home on Sunday after a day out and my husband Bjorn noticed the plant had gone. It is odd because the same thing has happened for the past three or four years. The same type of plant and pot always goes missing.

"I was convinced it was a fox or rabbits but this time we decided to check on the CCTV.

"I was gobsmacked to see this woman come marching across our drive and then pick up our plant and walk off with it. It was so brazen. I couldn't believe the bare-faced cheek!"

She added: "It's not about the cost. It was a double begonia which I think cost us £6 for six. But it's the principle. If she is so desperate for a flower she only had to ask. We have plenty."

Since Mrs McIver uploaded her post, others have admitted they have also been victims of the plant pilferer. It appears there has been a spate of thefts in the area.

One said: "Lots of people have had their plants stolen from their gardens - my elderly mum included - several times. I have had my hanging baskets stolen several times so now chain and padlock them."

A spokesman for Neighbourhood Watch said the latest theft had taken place at 5.31am on Sunday. (July 4)

She added: "A female stole a plant from a front garden in Recreation Way. This is not the first incident in the same road."

A police spokesman added: "It is reported that at around 5.30am on Sunday a woman stole a plant from the front garden of a property in Recreation Way, Kemsley.

"The suspect is alleged to have carried out previous thefts in the same road from gardens. Inquiries by officers will include reviewing possible CCTV evidence."

If you can help police track down the mystery woman, call 101 quoting reference 46/117109/21.

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