HOUSEHOLDERS have been put on the alert after a spate of thefts of ornaments from gardens over the weekend.

A range of items worth hundreds of pounds, including figurines, bird baths and stone balls from gateposts, were taken from properties across Ryedale.

The community safety officer with Safer Ryedale, PC Terry Triffitt, said the criminals were indiscriminately taking items of all kinds.

"They weren't just stealing the expensive property, such as stone troughs, which are always at risk, but even solar lights stuck into the ground," he said.

He said there was limited action people could take to protect larger items, but he recommended using resin or concrete to secure such ornaments as stone troughs. Keeping gates locked was another way to make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to private gardens and to steal larger items.

"Always keep photographs of your valuable garden ornaments, or mark them in some way - it all helps us trace items when they are recovered," he said.

Anyone requiring further advice should contact PC Triffitt at Safer Ryedale on (01653) 600666 extension 317.