A bizarre spate of thefts have seen trees stolen in daytime raids in Darlington.
A 4ft bay tree, which was taken from a garden in Lakeside, Darlington, on Monday, was the third such theft in the borough since the start of last week.
Acting Detective Sergeant Peter Eddy, of Darlington police, said: "We've had a little bit of a spate of them."
The thieves sneaked into the garden between 8.30am and 3pm and dug up the tree.
The thefts have coincided with a spate of thefts of plant pots and garden furniture in Darlington and surrounding villages.
Among them was the theft of an ornamental chimney pot from a garden in Middleton St George on Monday.
Anybody with information can call police on (01325) 467681
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