A thief has been filmed walking into a Chinese takeaway and stealing a 'lucky' money tree before making off in a getaway car.

The money tree had been given to the owner of Bill's Kitchen in Chatham, Kent, by her father when she took over the business 15 years ago.

Hongyan Zhu said she and her team were working in the kitchen at the time of the theft on Monday evening and did not hear anything.

A money tree, also known as Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant often associated with good luck and prosperity.

It is commonly kept in homes and businesses, particularly in Chinese culture, as a symbol of wealth and fortune.

The footage recorded shows a woman entering the restaurant and walking towards the plant before gesturing with another woman outside sat in a parked car.

Another man then enters, takes the plant and heads back to the car along with the woman already inside the restaurant.

'Three people arrived in a dark blue car. One woman came in first and looked around,' Ms Zhu said. 

'Then a man came in, picked up my money tree, and walked straight out.

'They put it into the car and all left together.

'The whole thing only took a few minutes. We were busy in the kitchen, so we didn't hear anything. They didn't order anything - they just came in, took the plant, and left.'

Ms Zhu, who has reported the incident to the police, says the money tree held deep personal value.

'This plant has been there since I took over the shop. It was a special opening gift from my father, wishing us good fortune,' she said.

'I've taken great care of it over the years. It's very hard for me to accept.'

'I just hope the person will return it, because its value cannot really be measured.'

The Daily Mail has approached Kent Police for comment.