THIEVES have embarked on an aquatic crime spree, netting thousands of pounds worth of fish and pond accessories.

They have landed fish, water pumps and filters plus other aquatic accessories in six garden raids in Darlington over the past week.

One man - dressed in a black jumper and jeans - was even seen making off with a full-sized plastic fish pond.

Inspector Bill Bentham, of Darlington police, said: "There has never been so many pond-related thefts in such a short time."

A total of 20 fish have so far been stolen from garden ponds but police say there is so far nothing to link the unusual crime wave.

The latest theft happened on Tuesday at a house in Ribble Drive, when thieves stole a water pump.

On Sunday, there were reports of a man carrying a fish pond. A similar pond was earlier reported stolen from the No Frills DIY store in Meynell Road.

The day before that, a filter pump and other equipment worth £1,000 was taken from the Haughton area, and eight goldfish and four carp worth a total of nearly £900 were taken from a house in Dibdale Road.

Last Thursday, a pump and filter were stolen from a home in The Broadway. The spate of thefts began last month in Neasham, on the outskirts of Darlington, when a pond net was taken.

Police believe the thieves are carefully selecting their targets and are fully aware of the value of the fish.