RESIDENTS at a sheltered housing scheme have been plagued by a spate of thefts from their award-winning Worcester gardens.

They claim that as the thefts are so small, they do not merit much response from the police but are left "devastated" by the crimes.

The most recent item stolen was a garden table that residents had saved hard to buy as part of a set.

"It wasn't very expensive, but that's not the point," said Brickfields scheme manager Marilyn Furlong.

"We saved hard and it meant a lot to us. Whoever does this kind of thing is the lowest of the low.

"Our residents are devastated. The garden gives them a focus and a great deal of pleasure.

"Last time we were burgled our pots were stolen but we had no response from the police."

Last year, the gardens won first prize in the Worcester in Bloom Flats category.

"It might not sound like much to anybody else, but the residents all feel miserable when this happens," Mrs Furlong added.

"We want it to stop. Somebody somewhere is enjoying what should be the fruits of our labour. They should spare us a thought."

No one from Worcester police was available to comment.