POLICE in Hartlepool are asking residents to think about garden security after a spate of ornamental thefts from front gardens.

PC Steve Cranston, crime prevention officer for the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, is advising residents that they need to secure any items that can be stolen.

He said: "Whilst crime is continuing to fall, we want to tell people ways in which they can prevent themselves from becoming victims of crime.

"We have noticed an increase in the number of thefts of ornaments, pots and decorative items from the fronts of properties.

"The thieves would have had to use a vehicle to transport these items, so we would ask residents to be vigilant."

Anyone with information about the theft of garden items is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 01642-326326.