Cleveland Police has launched a new leaflet to counteract a surge in thefts from garden sheds and garages.
The leaflet details the "burglaris disembowelis" list of thorny plants, compiled by force crime prevention officer Gerry McBride to make it as difficult as possible for the thief.
He said: "We generally consider the security of our homes or cars, but tend to overlook the garage or shed, yet we keep a lot of valuables in there.
"This time of year is the best time to plant the range of prickly plants listed in the new leaflet. It also contains tips to secure outbuildings, sheds and garages."
District neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Joyce Oakden will hand out the leaflets to 42 Neighbourhood Watch schemes covering 842 households.
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