Anti-theft kits are being funded in the Worth Valley after a spate of stone raids.

Councillors representing the ward have given a £400 grant to the Worth Valley Community Contact Point to buy Smartwater property marking kits.

The kits will help residents and businesses to protect themselves against the theft of flagstones, cars and personal property.

The local Neighbourhood Policing Team is also expected to buy in more Smartwater, which links an object to the address where it belongs.

Councillor Glen Miller (Con, Worth Valley) said stone thefts in particular had “plagued our area”.

He said: “I was angered by the theft of flagstones from the Manorlands Respite Home and a further raid at the home just a few days later.

“I am thus delighted that the Smartwater kits identify property to an individual address and the marking is virtually irremovable. This will undermine the local market for stolen property.”