RESIDENTS in Hartlepool are being asked to help catch thieves who are ruining the appearance of the town.
Shrub beds around the town have been plundered during the past couple of weeks, with plants worth several hundred pounds being taken.
The Golden Flatts roundabout was almost stripped bare of various grasses and shrubs in the latest incident, while plants have also been stolen in residential areas.
Earlier this year, the Easington Road/West View Road roundabout was targeted when a palm tree, complete with a root ball, was taken.
Dave Stubbs, head of environmental management at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "The thefts are occurring either in residential areas or on busy roundabouts, so it is hard to believe no one ever sees anything.
"If anyone sees anything suspicious, including a van that clearly does not belong to the council, them we would urge them to contact the police immediately."
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