GARDEN plants and containers are being stolen in the Fens area of Hartlepool.

Five gardens, in Thetford, Holland and Newark roads and Brandon Close have been targeted in the past couple of days.

Police are advising residents to take steps to protect expensive plant pots and ornamental trees, to prevent them being stolen.

Officers suspect the stolen items could end up at car boot sales.

Anyone with information about the stolen pots and plants is asked to call Sergeant Sharp on (01429) 867034.