Garden theft warning for Taff (South Wales) residents

ORNAMENTAL lions, ceramic snails and wooden ducks are just some of the items that have been stolen from gardens in the Taff.
Police are issuing a warning to householders to ensure garden ornaments and furniture is secure after a number of thefts.
There have been a number of reported incidents of garden thefts since over the fine weather period across the area.
The majority of thefts have been in Brynna and Llanharan but the most recent was in Hollybush Villas, Church Village, where two 3ft tall stone lion ornaments were taken from a garden on Thursday, July 15.
More than 30 items, including 15 gnomes, were stolen from one garden in Meadow Rise, Brynna, and a variety of ornamental animals, including two green dragons, have been taken from a front garden in Bryn Henllan, Brynna.
Police are investigating the incidents and are carrying out extra patrols in the effected area but are also appealing for residents to be vigilant and to take simple crime prevention measures.
Sergeant Nick Jenkins, who is based in Pontypridd Police Station, said: “These items are stolen and either end up being sold on at car boot sales or kept by the thief.
“We would ask people to keep a watchful eye over their belongings and not leave them in a place where they could be stolen by an opportunist thief.
“Householders should seek to minimise opportunities for criminals by making sure garden items are secure or safely stored in sheds or outbuildings, especially overnight or when the property is unoccupied.
“I would ask also people to be good neighbours and report any suspicious vehicles or people in their street.”
Police are investigating whether there is a market for these items and would appeal to anyone who is offered these items for sale in pubs or clubs or in car boot sales to contact them.
Anyone with information regarding garden thefts should contact police in Pontypridd on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(Reproduced from South Wales Police web site, 21st July 2010)

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