A PENSIONER is heartbroken after thieves ransacked her garden and stole a birdbath she treasured.

Frances Cooper, 77, of Redfern Avenue, Gillingham, a mother-of-four, said: "It wasn't just any bird bath. It was made by my late twin brother, Fred Perrin, for my mother.

"He was a carpenter and joiner and decided to make something nice for my mother. But Fred died nine years ago and my mother died 50 years ago this month. It meant so much to me.

"These people don't seem to think about the simple things in life, they are just out to get what they can."

Mrs Cooper, who is now pleading with the thieves to return it, said: "I would fill it up every night with water for the birds and they loved it. It was very small and made up of cement, wood and pebbledash."

This incident is the latest in a spate of thefts from gardens. Medway Police have arrested three men believed to be responsible for stealing a variety of garden ornaments, including a bird bath with female figures, a sundial and two planters.

The men allegedly stole the goods from gardens in Gillingham between 11pm on Saturday, April 5, and 12.30am the next day.

Most of the stolen goods have been returned to their rightful owners, but officers are keen to hand over the rest.

Det Con Dave Burnett said: "I would ask all members of the public to contact us immediately if they see any suspicious activity."

The homeless concrete ornaments stand between 2ft and 3ft and include six statues of women; two planters complete with pansies; a sundial and a bird bath with a female figure.

• Anyone with information on the recovered items, or Mrs Cooper's stolen bird bath, should contact Medway Police on 01634 884252.