A concrete rottweiler, holding a heraldic shield has been recovered, along with a haul of stolen electrical and power tools, from a house on Hartlepool's Owton Manor estate. "It nearly broke my back trying to lift it,'' said acting Detective Sergeant Jim Allen, of Cleveland Police.
Officers are trying to trace the owner of the garden ornament, which has been sprayed with silver metallic paint.
Mr Allen said an "Aladdin's den'' of tools recovered from the house included hedge cutters, sanders and a navy tool box, with the word Britool written on the side.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article