PLANT thieves have struck again in Sylvania.
The latest theft was from outside George's Rustic Cafe on Princes Highway, Sylvania Heights.
Cafe owner George Pantazis found the plant, a Zanzibar Gem a gift from his late father Theofanis, was stolen overnight from a planter box outside the cafe.
But the theft was caught on the cafe's CCTV and Mr Pantazis is giving the plant thief a chance to turn over a new leaf.
"Just return the plant and no questions will be asked," he said.
Police were called in last February when a number of expensive grass trees, or xanthorrhoea, were stolen from the front lawns of two properties in Sylvania.
Mature grass trees can cost up to $800.
In late 2013, a number of plants were stolen from hedges and front lawns of properties in Sylvania Waters.
The Leader is not suggesting that the thefts are connected.
Mr Pantazis opened his cafe 18 months ago and after a $20,000 upgrade of the outdoor eating area planted the Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), in a planter box outside the front door about a month ago.
"My father bought me the plant as a gift when I opened the restaurant.
"He passed away recently, so it has sentimental value for me."
CCTV footage shows a woman stopping her car outside the restaurant about 4.30am.
"She looked up but didn't see the camera, and just ripped the plant out and off she went.
"The woman was blonde, aged about 40 to 50 and wearing a black skirt and white shirt so she may have just finished work.
"I ask her to bring it back; leave it here and I'll put it back where it belongs."
■ Have plant thieves struck at your home?