People in an East Bakersfield neighborhood are upset over backyard medical marijuana plants that are attracting thieves.

Three men were arrested after they allegedly tried to steal the plants over the weekend of September 8-9.

Police said five men with a gun got into the backyard of a home on Oregon Street and began stealing the marijuana plants.

The owner confronted one of the men, who threatened to kill him.

Neighbors didn't want the plants in their neighborhood in the first place.

One unidentified neighbor said, "Not a good idea especially if he is letting it grow that tall. It’s going over his fence. Everybody can see."

Concerned neighbor, Tom Martinez said, "I am very much concerned for my safety and my neighbor's safety."

The man does have the right to grow the marijuana for medical purposes.

The stolen marijuana was recovered.