Witnesses sought after theft of statue in garden

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following the theft of expensive garden furniture.
Thieves stole a statue from a garden in Kings Avenue on Thursday July 16 and four Victorian chairs were also taken on Saturday July 18 from a garden in Summerdown Road. The owner of the Victorian chairs, Mrs Penny Sandell, said, "They are around 150 years old and worth about £1,000. "We've had them a very long time, they were my father's and so have a lot of sentimental value. "The statue, which depicts a female holding a jug, also has sentimental value." The owner, Ed Brown, said, "It was a present from my partner and so it is very upsetting. The thieves obviously planned it as there is a six foot fence around my garden." If anyone has any information regarding these or other thefts they are urged to contact the Police. Information can be left by phoning the non-emergency number 0845 60 70 999, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The owners of the statue and chairs are offering a reward for any information that leads to the return of the items and a conviction

(Reproduced from the Eastbourne Herald, July 31st)

GARDIEN TIP: The use of Forensic DNA inextricably links items back to their rightful owners. Its use, together with appropriate warning signs will go a long way to deterring thieves. Advice and information can be found at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/SelectaMark-Property-Marking.aspx