What can I do after someone stole my wife’s trees?

So, someone ripped my wife's trees right out of their pots! I want to give the thief the benefit of the doubt since the planters were next to an alley that doesn't get much traffic. Maybe they thought the planters were trash? But honestly, I'm furious. Seeing my wife upset has made me feel a whole new level of anger. We're not very experienced with home security. What would you recommend we do next? I'm worried that using AirTags would be too pricey if they're just going to get stolen anyway.