POLICE in Essex are advising homeowners to stay vigilant following a spate of thefts from gardens.

Large ornamental items including statues and a concrete bird bath have been stolen from several gardens in Great Totham in the last month.

The rash of thefts began on Saturday, August 7, at an address in Tolleshunt Major, from where a bonsai tree was taken.

During the next week, ornamental terracotta chimney pots were stolen from gardens in Tolleshunt D’Arcy and Goldhanger.

An antique ornamental cast iron pig trough was taken from the garden of a property in Great Braxted between August 16 and 17.

A day later, terracotta pots and a galvanised bath were stolen from Tolleshunt D’Arcy.

Thieves also took two concrete statues, one of a hunter and another of a huntress and a mermaid, from Tolleshunt D’Arcy overnight on August 25 and 26.

A concrete bird bath was then swiped from a garden in Tiptree during the Bank Holiday weekend.

The total estimated value of the stolen items is around �1600.

Neighbourhood officers are now asking residents to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to police and asked people to exercise a reasonable level of caution.

If you have any information about the thieves operating in Great Totham, contact Pc Andy Long and Pc Kerry Rose at Maldon on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.