A NEWPORT couple, who had £500 worth of garden equipment stolen from their shed, had the items returned the same day thanks to vigilant residents in a nearby street.

Pensioner Alan Bignell, of Sparton Close, Langstone, awoke on Tuesday morning to find his garden shed padlock broken and his tools, including a car pressure washer, were missing.

He called the police but didn’t hold out much hope of getting them back, so was surprised to hear that residents in nearby Blossom Close, had raised the alarm after hearing a disturbance.

The items were later found abandoned by officers and were returned to the couple on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Bignell’s wife Diane, said: “What I am so pleased about is that somebody did something and did not ignore a crime. It’s wonderful.”

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: “We would like to thank the residents in the area for alerting police to the discovery of the goods and we are happy for the occupiers who have had their goods returned."

We would appeal for anyone with information to call us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.