POLICE are investigating a spate of thefts of garden taps.

Officers in Chester-le-Street say six incidents has been reported between November 18 and December 1 of brass taps being forcibly removed from the gardens and yards of houses.

Incidents occurred in Lancaster Terrace, on November 18; The Crescent, on November 26; Weardale Terrace, on November 28; Coniston Close, on November 30; Mendip Avenue, on November 30 and Holmlands Park, on December 1.

Detective Sergeant Paul Gray, of Chester-le-Street CID, said: "The thief has used force to knock taps off their connecting pipes leaving water to flood out over gardens.

"This has not only caused a great deal of inconvenience to the victims but also, at this time of year when temperatures are falling, has put them at risk of injury as the water is liable to freeze."

DS Gray urged householders to be alert to the possibility of their garden taps being targeted by thieves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Chester-le-Street CID on 0345 6060 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.