POLICE have recovered a haul of valuable garden furniture including gnomes, flowerpots and wheelbarrows after a raid on a property in York.

Officers with a court warrant entered a house in Foxwood after a tip-off that the garden had suddenly filled with decorative ornaments and other goods.

York police were already investigating a spate of 24 shed and garage break-ins in the Foxwood and Woodthorpe areas during the past three weeks.

Now they are giving people who may have had property stolen the chance to claim it back during a viewing session at Fulford Police Station.

Inspector Andy Everitt, of York Police, said garden benches, plant-filled pots and a barbecue were among many belongings that the police believed were stolen.

He said: "It would assist us greatly with the identification process if people could see if they recognise any of the items in today's picture or by visiting a display at the station on Friday.

"The information came yesterday from an anonymous member of the public who said items of garden furniture had appeared overnight at a house.

"We applied to York Magistrates for a warrant, which was successfully executed, in the Foxwood area with the recovery of a large number of items."

Two people are helping the police with their investigation following yesterday's raid.

No one has been arrested.

If you recognise any of the items in today's Evening Press picture phone PC Amanda Walker on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:34 Wednesday, July 23, 2003