Thieves have stolen hanging baskets and potted plants during a spate of crimes targeting Syston's front gardens.
At least 23 thefts have been reported to police in Syston in the past few months.
Officers believe other homes have been targeted but that the victims did not contact police.
Streets where thefts have taken place include Mostyn Avenue, off Melton Road.
Residents David and Sandie Moran had two hanging baskets taken from the front of their home.
Mrs Moran, 65, said: "We had two hanging baskets taken last summer. We don't have any outside the house now because we don't know if they would be stolen, too.
"It's very sad that people would steal things like this. People like us put a lot of hard work into these things because we want to make out homes look nice.
"Gardening is a kind of therapy for me and a lot of other people and these thieves are spoiling it for us."
Her husband, 66, said: "When our hanging baskets were stolen, I thought at first it was a prank of some kind by kids or someone coming back from the pub.
"If that was the case we'd have found the plants down the road somewhere. But we didn't, so I assume they were stolen to be sold or maybe they are taking them for their own gardens, I just don't know."
Mick and Barbara Pridmore, who also live in Mostyn Avenue, have also been targeted.
Mrs Pridmore, 67, said: "We had a complete row of conifers stolen from the front of our house.
"They hadn't been there long and we woke up one morning and they were gone.
"We've put gravel down in our front garden now and don't have so many plants because there's always a chance they would be stolen.
Mr Pridmore, 68, said: "I suppose if someone wants something badly enough they will take it, but taking plants from people's gardens doesn't make sense to me.
"They aren't particularly valuable, so if they're selling them, how much money are they making?"
Sergeant Andy Moscrop, of Syston police station, said thefts were an ongoing problem which had increased in scale in the past few months.
He said: "Until we catch the person or people responsible, we won't know their motive for all these thefts.
"We don't know whether they're selling them on, keeping them for themselves or just being disruptive.
"Given the number of reports and the fact it's happening overnight, we're assuming it's someone fairly local."
Information can be passed to Pc Richard Melody or Pcso Glenn Freeman of the Syston beat team by calling 101. Information can also be passed to officers anonymously, via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
(Reproduced from thisisleicestershire 25th June)
Gardien Comment: See the advice re Outdoor Items at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/outdoor-items-security.aspx
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