In a scene that sounds more like a comedy sketch than real life, a woman was caught on camera stuffing plush toys worth hundreds of pounds down her trousers at a garden centre in Worcester.
Yes, seriously — soft toys, tucked into her trousers, in broad daylight.
The incident happened on June 7 at St Peter’s Garden Centre, and the stolen goods? None other than Jellycats — the wildly popular cuddly toys that look like everything from baguettes to bunnies.
Caught on Camera: A Toy Raid in Broad Daylight
The video footage, which has since circulated widely, shows the woman — dressed in a long coat and a stripy scarf — shamelessly piling £400 worth of Jellycat toys into a bag and down her trousers.
She even grabbed an extra-large plush and zipped out of the store like nothing happened.
While the scene may seem bizarre, the impact on the store was no joke.
A Blow to Small Business
William Blake, the managing director of St Peter’s Garden Centre, expressed his frustration and disappointment over the theft.
As an independent, family-run business, any loss hits hard — not just financially but emotionally too.
“Our team puts in so much work to make the space welcoming,” he said.
“It’s really upsetting when that’s taken advantage of.”
Despite the incident, Blake took time to thank loyal customers who showed support after the footage was released online.
The shop is working closely with local police as investigations continue.
Jellycat Mania: Adorable, and Apparently Targeted
So, why would someone go to such lengths to steal plush toys? It turns out, Jellycats aren’t your average teddies.
These quirky, ultra-soft stuffed animals have seen a massive spike in popularity, especially ones shaped like food — peanuts, marshmallows, and yes, baguettes.
And with popularity comes problems. Across the UK, a wave of Jellycat thefts has been reported as these soft toys become collectors’ items and viral sensations.
Policing Plushies: A Growing Challenge
The demand has become so intense that shops like St Peter’s, which boasts one of the largest Jellycat selections in Worcestershire, now require full-time security just to protect the cuddly creatures.
West Mercia Police confirmed they’re investigating the incident and are still gathering details from the June 11 report.
As of now, the suspect remains unidentified.
More Than Toys, It’s About Trust
For William Blake and his staff, it’s not just about stolen stock — it’s about the trust they extend to customers every day.
Incidents like this shake the foundation of that relationship, especially for small businesses that rely on community support.
Still, the store remains resilient and gra.teful for those who’ve rallied around them in the aftermath.
A Soft Toy, A Hard Hit — But the Store Stays Strong
This plush toy heist may have raised eyebrows (and probably a few laughs), but it’s also a reminder of the real challenges facing local businesses.
Whether it’s Jellycats or anything else, theft carries consequences beyond the price tag.
So next time you’re browsing the toy aisle, maybe give a little extra love to your local shop — they’re working hard to bring smiles, one stuffed baguette at a time.