Gnome thieves have targeted north Hangleton in April, police have revealed.

Ten thefts have been reported between 15 March and 20 April, including a 2-inch pink flamingo, a Buddha and a pink pig.

PC Emma Gee said: “These ornaments have been stolen during the night and day in the same area. We suspect they may have been stolen to sell at car boot sales.”

Residents are being asked to be vigilant.

“We are advising residents who live in this area of Hove to try and secure any front garden ornaments they may have”, PC Gee added.

In 2009 police encouraged residents to cement their ornaments to the floor after garden urns worth £400 were stolen in Midhurst.

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police.

By James Cutler