‘ANGRY’ residents have hit out at ‘mindless’ thieves who have been stealing plants and flowers from a sheltered housing complex.

Pembroke Court in Darwen has been targeted twice in the past month with window boxes full of daffodils, tulips and hyacinths being taken.

The elderly residents all contribute to the cost of the plants which are all put out and taken care of by gardener Clifford Bryce, 83.

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Mr Bryce, who has lived in the complex for 15 years, said: “I am really angry because I put a lot of work into this.

“They don’t seem to have any respect for elderly people.

“They must’ve had a car I think because these boxes are quite heavy.

“I think next time I put flowers out I am going to have to chain the window boxes.

“I am gutted. The people here love looking at the plants and it’s a real shame.”

Both incidents occurred on Friday nights two weeks apart.

In total, four window boxes have been taken plus large plant pots with hyacinths in them.

A theft also occurred last year at a similar time just before Mother’s Day.

Police said the theft had not been reported to them but they would be keeping a closer eye on the area.

Carol Tapp, a Darwen resident whose mum stays in Pembroke Court, said she hopes people in the town will try and help the residents.

She said: “The frail residents are devastated and so upset. It takes ages for Clifford to do this each year.

“They really enjoy the site of the flowers when they sit outside.

“I hope someone somewhere knows who is doing this.

“I hope that proud Darreners can show their support and put a smile back on the faces of the residents at Pembroke.

“If we can restore their faith in the goodness of others it would make a really nice Easter present.”

PC Scott Boast said: “These incidents have not been reported to us.

“But I will task it out to the police community support officers.

“They will do a visit to the premises and speak to the residents about what has been happening.

“If we can find out what has been going on we can start to work out what it is being targeted.”

Anyone who has seen anything is being urged to contact police on 101.