Boat owners have been warned to lock up their kayaks after two of them were stolen from back gardens in Canterbury.

The boats were both taken from homes backing onto the River Stour.

The first kayak, which has a white top half and a red bottom half, was stolen from a garden in Tonford Lane sometime between April 7 and May 7.

The second was taken from a garden in Grays Way sometime between 5pm on Sunday, April 29 and 4pm on Monday, April 30. It is described as orange with handles on the side. Two metal oars with plastic fins were also taken.

Police have issued an appeal for information to recover the kayaks.

PC Dave Rangeley, who is investigating these thefts, said: "Both these boats were stolen from gardens backing onto the river in Canterbury, so we would encourage all boat owners to take extra precautions and, where possible, lock their boats and kayaks away in sheds or garages when not in use.

"We also want to warn anyone thinking of taking boats and kayaks that are moored on the riverside, especially children and young people, that not only are they committing a criminal offence but they are also putting themselves at risk, as the water can be a very dangerous place, especially for those who are inexperienced."

Anyone with any information can contact police on 101 quoting reference ZY/12685/12.