A GROUP of garden gnomes formed the centrepiece of a display of stolen goods seized by police.

Over the last 18 months, Adlington Neighbourhood Policing Team has been made aware of a number of thefts of garden items.

Earlier this month officers seized a large number of items, believed to have been stolen from local gardens, including solar-powered lights, garden ornaments, potted plants, hanging baskets and garden gnomes.

Police invited residents who have had items stolen from their gardens to see if they recognised their property.

PC Matt Lee, community beat manager for Adlington, said: “Although we have had a number of reports, many more may have gone unreported, possibly due to residents not wanting to waste our time. However, I would urge people to report any thefts to us as this type of crime can have a significant effect on people who spend hours caring for their garden.”