JOBS could be under threat at a long-established Kidderminster garden centre repeatedly targeted by thieves who have made off with £2,000 worth of plants in the past month.

Managers at Hodgehill Nurseries, in Birmingham Road, believe the raiders are stealing the distinctive shrubs to order.

They fear that if the break-ins continue, the forced increased spending on security measures could affect staffing levels.

Richard Poole, shrub manager at the centre, said: "If these incidents carry on then it will mean that we will have to look at improving security. That could lead to prices rising or even make us look at the number of people employed here. Obviously we do not want either to happen."

Raiders have got away with several plants, including small palm trees, decorative box trees and pyramid-shaped trees.

The intruders are believed to have walked along a path at the side of the premises and then force their way through fences.

Mr Poole explained: "We have been targeted sporadically in the past but these latest incidents are worrying because they are happening so regularly.

"The thieves seem to be getting more confident because the latest break-in happened at 6.20pm on Sunday evening. We think the others happened between 10pm and midnight."

"Our own security cameras have picked up two people breaking in but there have got to be others involved.

"The plants that they are taking are so big that they would not even fit in a car. Someone must be waiting in a truck or van on the road."

Police spokeswoman, Lynne Masters, confirmed that four burglaries had been reported. They occurred on September 6, 7, 16 and October 2.

Anyone with information should call Kidderminster police on 08457 444888.