Two people have been arrested following a string of thefts from a town’s churches and gardens.

A 29-year-old man and 22-year-old woman, both from Lewes, were taken in on February 15 following a string of incidents in the town.

Various ornaments were taken including church candlesticks.

The items are now available to be collected from the town’s police station.

Residents will need to make an official statement before recovering items.

Officers are urging homeowners to mark their property so it can be easily identified if found.

PCSO Julie Whittaker-Jones added: “We also suggest that you take photographs of statues, benches, birdbaths or any other garden ornament you may have, just in case they do go missing in the future.”

A special property marking event will be held on March 2 at Newick Community Hall from 10am until 12 noon.

PCSO Ella Graham-Scott will then be at Lewes Garden Centre on March 24 to give advice on garden security.

The pair, who were arrested on suspicion of theft, going equipped to steal and handling stolen goods, have been bailed until March 16.