POLICE are urging people to be on the look-out for gardening equipment stolen in a hospital burglary.

Burglars struck at Monkwearmouth Hospital, in Newcastle Road, Sunderland, between 2pm on Tuesday (August 19) and 8am on Wednesday (August 20), breaking into a storage compound.

Their haul included a lawn mower, hedge trimmer, leaf blower and a hedge cutter, all Stihl products. A petrol jerry and a watering lance were also taken.

Acting Inspector Dave Cole, of Sunderland North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This is quite specialist gardening equipment that has been stolen.

"It's likely those responsible will attempt to sell the items on and I would ask people to be vigilant. If they are offered similar items for sale we want them to let us know.

"We're keen to hear from anyone who has any information about the burglary, whether they saw people acting suspiciously in the grounds of the hospital or know who those responsible are."

The appeal comes during Northumbria Police's Operation Soundwave, aimed at thieves and burglars.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference 228 200814, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.