POLICE recovered hundreds of pounds worth of garden furniture, including ornaments, benches and barbecues during a raid at a York home.

The operation followed a tip-off from a resident that the garden of the house, in Foxwood, was being used as a store for a suspiciously large number of items. Officers were already investigating a string of thefts from gardens in the Foxwood and Woodthorpe areas, with 24 burglaries being reported in the past three weeks.

Police are now trying to trace the owners of the belongings, which include pots and baskets full of plants as well as garden tables and chairs. If you live in the west area of York and have had furniture stolen from your garden during the past month, phone police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, July 23, 2003