A Ballarat nursery has been dealt a devastating blow amid what has already been a very difficult year for business owners.
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Staff arrived at Spot on Pots nursery in Delacombe on Thursday morning to find the fence had been slashed and dozens of plants had been stolen.
The nursery is owned by Jason and Carly Macdonald, and it is not the first time their business has been targeted.
"It's not the first time this has happened and we are just so frustrated - it happens so often," Ms Macdonald said.
"We've been here nine years now and it probably happens two or three times a year. Sometimes it's just damage, but often it is products that are stolen."
The thieves took about 50 hedge plants of different varieties and sizes, valued around $1800.
They also took off with two Japanese maple trees, valued at almost $600.
In addition to this loss, the Macdonalds will also need to pay to repair the fence.
The theft is frustrating for the business owners, who are working hard to adapt during such a challenging period.
"It's not okay that people think they can take things that belong to other people. It really has an impact," Ms Macdonald said.
"Businesses in Ballarat have really had enough."
The business is very community-minded, with the Macdonalds often supporting community initiatives. For example, the HiveMind community apiary is located on their site.
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While they count themselves as fortunate that they have been able to continue to trade this year, she said plants were difficult to acquire at the moment due to COVID restrictions.
While they would normally travel to Melbourne to source their stock, they made a decision not to due to coronavirus cases and are relying on companies to send stock to them.
This means that they will have less to sell to community members looking to get out in their gardens during the warm weather forecast this weekend.
Ms Macdonald said gardening had been a real outlet for people during social restrictions and the mental health benefits of doing so were "huge".
"It is something we've continued to push and encourage people to do this year - to be active in their gardens," she said.
If you have CCTV or any information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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