NT Police have charged a 45-year-old man after raiding his house and discovering 38 bonsai trees they allege were stolen from a plant nursery in Lambells Lagoon.

Police allege the man broke into the nursery on Alphatonia Road in the early hours of Friday July 1, and stole the trees.

They said the offender was identified during the course of the investigation and a search warrant was executed at the man’s home.

“During the search, police located 36 pots containing assorted bonsai plants and two bare rooted plants,” said police media manager Rob Cross in a statement.

“The plants were seized and taken to Humpty Doo Police Station, where the owner was able to collect them.

“The man was issued with a notice to appear for stealing and trespass on enclosed premises. He will appear before Darwin Local Court on 14 September 2022.”