PRESTON Police are urging homeowners to be on their guard for back-yard thieves.

Ten incidents of thefts from back-yards in Preston have been reported in the past three weeks, the latest involving the theft of stone flags and garden equipment from the rear of a house in St Andrew's Road, Preston.

Sgt Mick Ellwood said: "It's important to make people aware of this problem because there's been a sudden increase in this type of crime." He added that most of the incidents involved the theft of stone flags, so a truck or lorry must have been used.

Terraced houses in particular are being targeted but Sgt Ellwood said that none of the incidents involved houses being entered.

He added: "If anyone can give us any information about any of these incidents they shouldn't hesitate to call the police."

The number to call is Preston 203203.

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