South China Botanical Garden in Guangdong province has installed more than 200 cameras to keep watch for plant thieves who have been stealing the precious plants to cook at home, Guangzhou Daily reported.

Liao Jingping, a senior executive with the garden, said several instances of rare plants being taken for use in dishes and soups have been reported over the past few months.

Most of the offenders tend to be senior residents and housewives, and the stolen plants include some that are under the State’s strict protection, according to Liao.

The garden, which covers more than 350 hectares, has only 50 security guards, Liao said, so it has sought the help of local police when serious offenders are caught.