A SHOPKEEPER is appealing to mothers and aunts who may have been offered a precious Japanese Bonsai tree after two were stolen over the weekend.

At about 3pm last Friday two men walked into Concrete Jungle in South Ealing Road, Hanwell.

The owner was on the telephone as the two men were looking around the shop. He asked them if they wanted any help and they said no but they then walked out with two Japanese Bonsai trees worth more than £400.

Shop owner Jason Watson is now appealing to members of the public to help get the unique plants back.

He said: "I'm really angry that somebody would just steal them. Somebody must know something and I just want them back.

"Whoever took them will probably not know what they really are and will end up killing them. I'm hoping they will give them to someone as a present because that's the only chance I have of getting them back."

The two Bonsai trees are described as a Poducarpus which is worth more than £250 and an Acer which is worth more than £150. Both plants are more than 25 years old and run the risk of dying if not returned or looked after properly.

Mr Watson said: "If the Acer has not been watered by now it will probably be dead but the Poducarpus will survive for another five days before it starts to die."

The first thief is described as black, 30 years old, about 6ft tall and of medium build. He was wearing a brown jumper. The second man is white, also 30 years old, 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build and wearing dirty white clothing.

Concrete Jungle has only been open for ten months and specialises in 25 different species of Bonsai. This was the first time the store had been targeted by thieves but a second attempt to steal plants was foiled by a customer on Saturday.

A man was seen attempting to cut away the metal chain used to secure the trees with a pair of pliers but was unsuccessful and ran off.

If anyone has any information contact Ealing Crime Desk on 020 8246 9442 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111