POLICE are investigating the theft of 60 planted laurel bushes.

The plants were stolen from the ground of a property on the A429 just outside Stow-on-the-Wold towards Moreton-in-Marsh.

The victim of the theft, who did not want to be named, said they had been tirelessly planting and tending to the plants during lockdown, so were "dismayed" when they discovered the overnight theft the following morning.

The shrubs were ripped from the ground late evening on the night of Saturday, June 27.

The property owners said: "It's not so much about the cost but that is also very depressing for us - the effort it took to plant them in the first place."

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "The caller (who told police about the theft) reported that 60 newly planted Lorell bushes had been stolen from Moreton Road at some point between 10pm on June 27 and 10am on June 28.

"Investigating officers are asking anyone who witnessed this taking place, has CCTV footage or information to please call 101 quoting incident 226 of 29 June."