Police Investigate £300 Theft At Hayes Garden World: Ambleside Couple Linked

Chloe Fitzgerald

3 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Details of the Alleged Theft at Hayes Garden World

The alleged theft occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, at approximately 3:15 PM within the Hayes Garden World location in Ambleside. According to police reports, the stolen items included high-value plants – specifically, three rare orchids and a bonsai tree – totaling an estimated value of £300. The theft allegedly took place near the outdoor plant section, away from the main tills. Cumbria Police confirmed that CCTV footage from several cameras within the garden centre is currently being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. The theft was discovered by a member of staff during a routine stock check later that evening.

The Ambleside Couple and their Potential Connection

Cumbria Police have identified an Ambleside couple, a man and a woman both in their late 30s, as potential suspects. While their identities have not been publicly released to protect the integrity of the investigation, police believe witness statements and CCTV footage place them at the scene of the theft around the time the incident occurred. Although no arrests have been made at the time of writing, the police are actively pursuing lines of inquiry, including examining vehicle registration details and potentially other forensic evidence. The investigation is ongoing, and charges have yet to be filed. No prior convictions have been reported for either individual related to similar crimes.

Hayes Garden World's Response and Security Measures

Hayes Garden World has fully cooperated with the police investigation, providing them with all available CCTV footage and assisting with witness statements. Currently, the garden centre employs a range of security measures, including CCTV cameras, security guards during peak hours, and electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags on some high-value items. Following this incident, Hayes Garden World is reviewing its security protocols to determine if any improvements are needed to deter future shoplifting incidents. A spokesperson for Hayes Garden World stated, "We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our customers and staff. We are cooperating fully with the police investigation and reviewing our security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future."

Shoplifting in Garden Centres: A Growing Concern

Shoplifting is a significant problem for garden centres and retailers across the UK. While precise statistics for garden centre theft specifically are hard to come by, retail theft as a whole represents a substantial financial burden on businesses. The impact goes beyond the immediate loss of goods; it also increases insurance premiums, necessitates increased security measures, and can even affect staffing levels. Garden centres can take proactive measures to reduce theft, such as improved staff training in loss prevention techniques, more visible security measures, and better use of technology like CCTV and EAS tags.

Conclusion

The £300 theft at Hayes Garden World highlights the ongoing challenge of shoplifting in garden centres. The involvement of an Ambleside couple is currently under investigation by Cumbria Police, with the review of CCTV footage and witness statements forming key parts of the ongoing process. This incident underscores the need for robust security measures within the garden centre industry. Stay updated on the latest developments in this case and other instances of Hayes Garden World theft by regularly checking our website for updates. If you have any information about this incident or similar crimes in the area, please contact the authorities immediately. Learn more about effective retail crime prevention strategies [link to relevant resource on retail crime prevention].