Thieves targeted the back garden of Liz Weldon's home, in the Burbank area of Hartlepool, and stole 14 garden ornaments of all shapes and sizes.

Some had even been glued to flagstones, but were ripped up only yards away from where the 70-year-old was sat quietly watching TV.

A tearful Liz, who has lived in the sheltered bungalow for only 10 months, said: "I used to love sitting out there and looking at them. It would bring back countless memories of happy days.

"But now someone has stolen them. They have stolen those memories of happy days when I bought them all."

Thieves struck at around 8pm on Thursday, October 15, as Mrs Weldon watched TV in her living room, which looks onto her back garden.

The mum-of-three and grandmother-of-seven said: "I got up as normal on the Friday and opened the back door.

"I instantly went cold. I was just in shock and didn't know what to do.
"Why would someone do this? I don't understand it.

"But they will not drive me away.

"I'm quite happy living here and I will not let them push me out."

Mrs Weldon says she did not hear any intruders in her garden, but neighbours have told her that a man in his 30s was seen nearby in Burbank Street at 9pm with a shopping trolley covered in a sheet.

Colin Hopkins, crime prevention advisor for Hartlepool New Deal for Communities, has visited the home to help fit window alarms and a shed alarm and plant bushes to help secure the garden.

He said: "She is obviously very upset by what has happened and hopefully people will come forward with information that could help.

"We are also reminding people to make sure their gardens and homes are not vulnerable to thieves."
He recommends:

Keeping garden furniture and expensive items locked away when not in use.

Fitting good locks to sheds and garages and alarms if possible.

Keeping garden tools away as thieves can use them to break in to property.

Using gravel to make paths noisy.

Planting prickly hedges to secure the perimeter of gardens.

Using lighting to deter thieves.

If you have any information that could help police then ring PC Stephanie Harrison, at the Hartlepool Police Community Safety Office, on (01429) 855560 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.