POLICE have congratulated Wychbold's Neighbourhood watch scheme after a thief who stole a garden ornament was arrested and cautioned.

A 12 inch stone ornament, depicting two kittens was taken from outside the owner's front door in De Wyche Road earlier this month.

A shrewd neighbourhood watch member reported to the police that someone was trying to sell a garden ornament door to door and a description of the woman was sent to all the neighbourhood watch co-ordinators.

PC Andy Clarke, stationed in Droitwich said one of the neighbourhood watch members had approached him who knew the name of the thief and they were able to successfully arrest them at their home.

He said: "This is a prime example of just how successful the 'Neighbourhood Watch' Scheme can be. It demonstrates that neighbours, in addition to often acting as a crime deterrent, can and do play a key role in crime detection.

"Neighbourhood Watch Schemes are a very useful source of information and this particular scheme-with around 20 co-ordinators is probably my most effective scheme, with regular information being fed back into our intelligence system."

The thief received a caution as it was their first known offence. Despite a police search, the ornament has not been found.

Anyone interested in starting a Neighbourhood Watch group of their own should contact PC Colin Wishart, the Neighbourhood Watch Administrator on 01905 331046.