In one of the strangest crimes this summer, a woman was caught on CCTV stealing 17 pink plastic flamingos from outside Greendale Garden World near Leicester. The theft occurred just after 1:00 AM on Monday morning.
Footage shows a woman wearing a dressing gown, slippers, and head torch, calmly loading the flamingos into a shopping trolley before disappearing down a side path. Nothing else was taken.
Manager Tom Reilly said, “We thought it was a prank at first, but she clearly knew what she was doing. Took them all, didn’t touch anything else.”
Local police are investigating possible links to a viral social media account known for “weird garden thefts” and believe the woman may have previously stolen gnomes from another centre in Nuneaton.
Meanwhile, eagle-eyed Redditors believe they’ve identified a match based on a TikTok posted the next day, showing 17 identical flamingos in a backyard with the caption: “My flock is complete 🦩🦩🦩.”
Officers are following leads and say the suspect may be someone with prior bans from garden centres in the Midlands area.
Mark “Muckboots” Draycott
Groundskeeper at Greendale. Claims innocence, but owns a trailer and has a flamingo tattoo. Told police he “always hated those bloody things.”
Maggie Yates
Local prankster. Has a reputation for late-night dares, but denies involvement. Lives near the garden centre. Known to wear a head torch on dog walks.
Tina Haversham
Local TikTok creator (@TheGardenGoblin). Known for odd lawn ornament content. Posted a video the day after theft with what appear to be the same flamingos. Previously banned from two garden centres.
Donna Spears
Ex-employee, fired last month. Was obsessed with the flamingo display; once called it “a spiritual installation.” Was let go for “excessive weirdness” per manager.
CCTV Footage
TikTok Post (@TheGardenGoblin)
Social Media Comments
Employment Records
Neighbour Testimony
Review the evidence, select your prime suspect, and submit your theory.
