POLICE have stepped up patrols in two villages plagued by thieves who have made off with plants and garden ornaments.

Earlier this week the EADT revealed how Wickhambrook and Kedington had both been targeted by thieves who struck repeatedly over the weekend.

Yesterday Suffolk police confirmed at least five further incidents had taken place in the villages.

In a bid to combat the problem, police have stepped up patrols and issued a warning to homeowners in the villages to mark items and secure them whenever possible.

A police spokesman said: “Following the thefts of a number of garden ornaments Suffolk Police have increased patrols in the Wickhambrook and Kedington areas and enquiries into the incidents are on going.

“Meanwhile, Suffolk Police are offering residents a number of crime prevention tips such as; mark your property with details including your postcode so that items are easier to identify, chain items or secure them in position and where possible, fill items with heavy gravel to prevent easy carrying.”

The latest incidents reported in Kedington have both happened in Westward Deals. One involved the theft of two stone lion ornaments from a front garden. The other involved the theft of a concrete bird bath from a second front garden.

In Nunnery Green, Wickhambrook, a plant pot was stolen from the front garden of a house, two gnomes and a solar-powered ring were taken from the front and back garden of a house and two black and white stoneware terriers and a sun dial were stolen from a third home.

Anybody with information about the incidents should contact the St Edmundsbury rural south safer neighbourhood team on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.