From green to gone: Help us stop tree and plant theft

Published on 07 January 2025

We know how important green spaces and new plants are to our community - not only for their environmental benefits but also for the positive impact they have on community health and wellbeing. 

In fact, creating cooler and greener spaces was ranked number one out of the 60 council services we took to the community during stage one engagement on the Council Vision and Council Plan this year, with 81 per cent of respondents wanting us to focus on planting and protecting trees.  

We also understand that greening Frankston is important for protecting, boosting and beautifying our local environment, which is not only great for our residents but also for attracting visitors and is a key contributor to civic pride. That’s why we are always looking for opportunities to maximise planting across our projects. 

Unfortunately, our efforts have been hindered recently with some of our freshly planted trees being stolen in key locations. Council does its best to minimise tree and plant theft and is working with Victoria Police and some community groups, but we also need your help to reduce these incidents and to keep our city green. 

How you can help

When you’re out and about enjoying all that Frankston City has to offer, please let us know if you notice trees and plants missing from Council land via Snap Send Solve. Your reports will help us assess the damage, replant (where possible), ensure affected areas are safe for ongoing use and cooperate with police as needed. 

If you see theft as it’s occurring and it is safe to do so, please take down details of the crime (including registration numbers) and report it to the Police Assistance Line (131 444) or Crime Stoppers Victoria (1800 333 000).