London Police Use Roses to Deter Burglars

Police at London's annual Chelsea Flower Show recommended that homeowners use roses to protect their homes from theft. The thorny flowers can provide "a first line of defense against burglars," officers at the flower show said today.

Police officers provided a compelling demonstration on how roses can be used as "an effective theft deterrent." Playing the part of the burglar, detective inspector Paul Anstee walked across the event stage and pretended to break into a "house," a cardboard box with a cutout window "specially handcrafted" by the London police department. "Burglars are, of course, fascinated by expensive-looking, attractive objects," said Anstee after climbing through the window. "What is more attractive and expensive-looking than a rose?" he asked, as he simulated the would-be thief gazing admiringly at a rose placed on stage. "Thieves will head immediately for the well-placed rose and conveniently will be pricked by its formidable thorns," Anstee said, pressing his hand around the stem of the rose and wincing from pain. "A burglar so injured is extremely unlikely to remain on the scene and will flee at once." Afterward, one of Anstee's fellow officers was quick to remind the audience that the demonstration did not represent the official views of the London police department.