Police will be taking a stand at the Blenheim Flower Show next week to draw attention to the fact that garden crime is on the increase.

They plan to display easy and inexpensive anti-crime ideas, and will also illustrate how the strategic planting of prickly plants can be used to protect homes.

The show is being held in the grounds of Blenheim Palace at Woodstock from Thursday until Sunday.

Sgt Bill Butcher, of Woodstock police, said: "People will spend a considerable amount of money on their garden equipment, buying motor mowers, leaf blowers, and strimmers, together with other good quality tools. Having done that, they will then store them in a shed with only a 50p lock.

"People seem reluctant to take even the simplest of precautions.

"Such things as a decent padlock, chaining equipment together and shed alarms can deter a thief. "Criminals are not only after tools and equipment -- garden furniture, ornaments and even plants themselves are not immune from their clutches, so we are showing ways of securing these."

People are also being reminded that garden equipment, as well as property including televisions and stereos, should be marked with a security code.