A GARDENER has resorted to padlocking his flowers after thieves stole a hanging basket from his front garden.

Now Chris Parker is urging others to do the same, while police have warned people to improve security because of a rise in thefts from gardens.

Mr Parker, aged 62, lovingly crafted three large hanging baskets to brighten up the front of his house in Tonge Moor Road, Bolton.

The colourful array was the pride of the street — until thieves snatched one of them in the night.

Now Mr Parker has decided to padlock his two remaining hanging baskets to the fence to stop it happening again.

It is the second time flowers have gone missing from his garden this year — two plant pots were stolen about two months ago.

He said: “People always comment on how nice my garden is. I get a lot of comments outside my house because I’ve spent a lot of time on having a nice garden, and someone’s just taken them and put them in their garden. I’m going to padlock my hanging baskets to the fence now.

It’s just getting beyond a joke.”

Mr Parker believes the thief must have used a vehicle to make off with the hanging basket because it is too big and heavy to carry. Police say there is usually a seasonal increase in garden theft at this time of year as the weather starts to improve.

Insp Mark Peary urged residents to ensure their gardens are secure by keeping gates shut and, if possible, locked. He said: “Garden security is important.

People put a lot of time and effort into their gardens at this time of year and they don’t want them ruined by thieves.”