GREEN-FINGERED thieves stealing garden furniture in Ashington are being targeted by police.Each year during the summer months, police notice an increase in thefts from


gardens and now officers in the town are stepping up patrols and urging people to report anything suspicious.

Various items are being stolen, ranging from garden seats to plant pots.

Ashington Neighbourhood Inspector Alan Stafford told the News Post Leader: “I appreciate that especially during the summer evenings, garden furniture is much used, but these items can be expensive to replace.

“Anything of value should be securely fastened if possible or if necessary taken indoors when not in use.

“Often a simple chain and lock can prevent items of furniture being stolen.

“There is obviously a market for stolen items and we are appealing for anyone who has been offered what appear to be stolen garden items to contact us.”

Householders can protect their garden and equipment by following simple security step:

• mark all garden equipment with your postcode and house number;

• securely fasten or take indoors items of value;

• consider planting and decoration as deterrents, like trellis on a high fence and thorny bushes;

• encourage your neighbours to keep an eye on your garden when you are away and report anything suspicious;

• take photographs of garden furniture so if it is stolen and recovered you will be able to identify it.

Anyone with information about any thefts should contact police at Ashington on (01661) 872555, extension 61626.
23 August 2013