Theft of Lawn Ornaments

[Dreamer]

I posted a picture of the beautiful gazing ball I got for my birthday. It is in my front flower bed, but not easily visible from the street because I have large conifers.

Should I be worried that it will be stolen? Has anyone ever had something taken from their yard?

[hipfunkyfun]

cbc radio did a show on lawn ornament and plant theft and i was amazed at the stuff stolen. people seem to think that if it is outside it is free for the taking!

i would say it depends on your neighbourhood and whether it is visible from the sidewalk or not.

[SusanB]

We had a garden bench stolen a few years ago. Then last year, we had several things taken. We had a few 'plaques', etc. on the fence at the back, as well as a couple of items up near the house. They were all taken. So we are careful now to leave our back gate locked at all times.

[Lisi]

move it, it's a beautiful piece and you don't want to lose it. DH made us some wooden reindeer years ago, I would be hartbrooken if they were stolen, therefore they will stay in my backyard.
BC

[Foxxy]

I would move it, as someone else might love it too.

[Elise]

.....with Foxxy, it's really lovely and someone with your exquisite taste might treat themselves. I would move it a little out of the way.

[luv2shop]

There are a lot of thefts around here - people even dig up plants. Never underestimate what someone will steal. And it's so pretty - you would hate to lose it.

[SusanB]

A friend told me that someone actually stole a newly planted clematis from her neighbour's garden. This was in Rosedale, one of Toronto's most expensive neighbourhoods! So it can happen anywhere.

[newbiegirl]

I would move it too. I have even heard of plants being stolen!

[RaspVod]

I had an awesome ceramic eves trough spout taken right on our front walkway...the nerve!
Where we live now, which is beside a public walkway...so far so good, except for the stakes holding up the tree on the blvd. Kids can be so destructive today.....I would tend to keep something so precious within the confines of the backyard fence. You could still enjoy in a back garden perhaps....Doesn't hurt to be too cautious, when you really adore something so much.

[Dreamer]

I will move the beautiful ball. Sadly, my family bought it for me for that spot, as I asked specifically for a gazing ball. I was thinking of something a little less special, though. Something I could stand to lose!

The beautiful ball will go in the back yard. The 110 pound hairy black dog dog, with a big bark and bigger teeth, generally discourages people from coming into my backyard!

[BJDec]

My office home is in a student rental location and they have had great fun in my beautiful perrenial gardens. They have stolen my fountain,ripped out my hostas and tonight I found a geranium pulled out.

I found my little fountain boy down the street against a fence, a few months later, which I promptly lugged home(it is cement).

Some people have no respect for others' things.

[firsthomegirl]

Your gazing ball is beautiful! I would worry about someone picking it up and taking it too.

I think I remember a craft that is easy to do and that kind of gives the same effect. It is inexpensive so if it goes missing then it won't matter.

You use one of those white glass globes from a ceiling fixture. Value village has all different sizes for about $2 and stores sell them for under $10. Then you take glass paints and swirl them in whatever pattern you choose. Then just set the open side on the ground so you can't see it.
I can't remember where I saw this craft done but I think that was about all the instructions there were.

It might be something to try if you really want one in your front yard.

[Dreamer]

I love your idea! I can put my birthday gift in the back, where I can enjoy it from my kitchen window and put a "home-made" gazing ball in the front. In fact, I have a daughter who would probably love to paint a ball. I will buy some metallic paint, or perhaps some copper leaf, and let her have some fun.

[firsthomegirl]

It would be a great project for your daughter. I hope that it works and that I didn't forget any steps.

Hope your garden is coming along nicely as well.