POLICE in Durham and Chester-le-Street are urging residents to be extra vigilant after a recent spate of thefts from gardens.
The call comes following a sharp rise in thefts of garden furniture, hanging baskets and plants.
Detective Inspector Andy Reddick said: "There is an ongoing operation between detectives and uniformed officers who are targeting suspects, but householders can take a number of steps to prevent these crimes."
He recommended security postcoding garden furniture by marking items with paint, engraving them, or using an ultraviolet pen.
More advice on crime prevention is available on 0191-375 2304.
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