POLICE are renewing their appeals for residents of rural areas to be on their guard after garden equipment worth thousands of pounds was stolen.

Thieves have targeted sheds and outbuildings across the Ryedale district in recent weeks and made off with power tools, lawn mowers, strimmers and other machinery.

In one night three garages and sheds in Kirkbymoor-side were targeted.

Intruders stole items valued at a total of £1,070 - including a tumble drier - and police believe the incidents are linked.

A white Mercedes van, registration S935 SWE, was stolen from a garden nursery in Malton Road, Pickering, the same night.

The van, which contained plants valued at £2,000, had "Mennells" written on its side panelling.

Police say it is possible the van was used in the thefts, between Monday evening and Tuesday morning last week, and they are appealing for anyone with information to phone the Ryedale Witness Line on 01723 509662.

Updated: 11:34 Monday, January 27, 2003