The theft of seven precious bonsai trees from a Lower Hutt garden centre has left the store's 93-year-old founder devastated.
California Home and Garden, found 20 minutes from Wellington, was raided on Tuesday night and the tiny trees haven't been seen since.
For more than four decades, Keith Lowe has lovingly tended to his Bonsai trees - but in a single night some of his most prized work vanished.
"It actually gives me a lot of pleasure to create them. It's one of my loves," said Keith.
The tiny tress retail for $1000-$2000 each. But for Keith, the price tag doesn't matter - they're irreplaceable.
"As we've always said, it's like taking dad's children. They're part of your life," said his daughter, Wendy.
Security camera footage appears to show two men and a woman breaking into California Garden Centre.
Their pictures have been plastered all over social media and police are still making enquiries, but so far, no leads.
"They knew exactly what they were taking, they didn't take anything else. They didn't bother breaking into any other part of the garden centre," said Wendy.
This isn't the first time Keith's bonsai trees have been stolen either. Trees were once stolen from the Miramar branch.
"They cut through the fence and steal them wholesale. Took dozens and dozens of them," said Keith.
His daughter says she hopes with a bit of publicity people might recognise the bonsais if they see them pop up online.
As for what happens next, the Lowes don't want to cause a fuss.
"Even if they just drop them back, just drop them off. We don't need to know who the people are. No hard feelings. Can they please just bring them back," said Wendy.
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