Security at the popular Bayside Garden Centre in Kogarah has been stepped up with cameras and security fencing following a number of recent break-ins.
Bayside Garden Centre is a joint venture between Bayside Council and the Intellectual Disability Foundation of St George which provides meaningful work for those with an intellectual disability.
Bayside Mayor Joe Awada said it was a sad day when Council had to put up security fencing to keep out thieves from a local nursery that provides meaningful employment for people with a disability.
"Stealing is a low act, but stealing from our most vulnerable is despicable," he said.
"Council has stepped up security at the site installing cameras on the street and internally, as well as increasing security around the perimeter fencing," he said.
Thieves have broken into the nursery on several occasions recently.
Councillor Awada said the staff at the Garden Centre had done a tremendous job building up the nursery in recent years and was turning a healthy profit which was reinvested into the centre.
"It is open to the public and well worth a visit," he said.
"The variety of plants is impressive, over 800 different species, but it also enjoyable just to wander around the beautifully laid out gardens," he said.
The Bayside Garden Centre is a popular venue with over 2,000 loyalty customers.
It operates on a wholesale and retail basis, supplying plants to councils, landscapers, builders and the general public.
The staff at the Garden Centre are all trained in horticulture and the Centre offers growing, seed collection and propagation, delivery and technical advice.
Approximately 80,000 plants are available for sale, ranging from tube stocks to advanced trees, and including a wide variety of species, such as Murraya, Buxus, Camelia, Gardenia, Grevillea and many more.
Anyone who may have witnessed the break-ins or has any information which may assist the police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
