GREEN-FINGERED Bradford residents are seeing red after a spate of thefts from their gardens.

A number of people living in Wibsey have been hit by the thieves who have been sneaking in during the night to steal garden ornaments, solar lighting and ceramic plant pots.

Among the victims was 86-year-old widow Violet McGrath, who had precious stone and metal ornaments stolen from her garden in Harbour Crescent five times in a week, including three metal herons, wrought iron bikes with figurines, and a metal rooster on the shed.

Mrs McGrath, who suffered a minor stroke recently, said: "It makes me mad. This is my hobby. I spend all my time in my garden. Many of the things stolen were presents from my family, so they are of sentimental value. It's sad that this should happen at my age. It's a sad old world."

Pensioner Keith Betts, 75, and his wife Rosemary, 73, are also victims.

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Mr Betts, a retired chemical firm distribution manager, said the raiders have struck twice at their neat, semi-detached home in Reevylands Drive.

He said on the first occasion, in early May, a metal sea horse and sea shell bird bath, and a metal dog ornament were stolen from their back garden.

Then, in the early hours of Monday, three ceramic plant pots were stolen - leaving plants and young yew trees strewn around.

Mr Betts said: "The value of the items stolen is not great, but that is not the big issue.

"It is terribly frustrating when you work hard to create a nice garden and someone just comes in and takes it all. It is an intrusion and not pleasant when people just walk in. I am buying CCTV for peace of mind, which I shouldn't have to do."

Police Sergeant Peter Hall, of Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Crimes of this nature are understandably upsetting for residents and violate the privacy of their property similar to a domestic burglary. We would encourage people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to their local neighbourhood officers.

"There are a number of simple steps people can take to help protect their properties and gardens, such as considering installing garden lighting, making sure perimeters are secure, fitting locks to gates, as well as considering marking your property with your postcode."

If anyone has information about garden thefts in the Wibsey area they should contact the Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team via 101.