Three lead Victorian urns of “sentimental value” were stolen from a village garden last weekend.

The incident, which took place between 12pm on Saturday, February 21 and 12.40pm on Sunday, February 22, involved the theft of three grey urns, two of which are a pair, from a garden in Cheverells Green, Markyate.

The thieves are believed to have gained access to the rear of the garden and then fled the scene in an unknown direction.

It is likely they would have used a vehicle as the urns were full of earth and weighed around 25kg each.

The pair of urns are dark grey and have two ornate handles either side and the other urn is light grey.

Both feature moulded etchings around them.

Investigating officer PC Brian Evans, said: “The urns date back to the late 19th century and hold a great deal of sentimental value to the owner. Due to the age of the urns they are also considered to be heritage artefacts.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the local area around the time of the offence and saw anyone removing the urns to get in touch as soon as possible. A vehicle would have been needed to remove the urns from the property; therefore perhaps you may have seen an unfamiliar van or car in the area?

“I’d also be interested to speak to anyone who believes they have been offered the urns or something similar for sale. Any information you provide could significantly help my investigations.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Evans on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.