HEARTLESS thieves have stolen two wooden planters from elderly residents in Portishead.

The octagonal structures had recently been given to those living in sheltered accommodation in Orchard Close by the housing association, Alliance Homes, to brighten up a vegetable garden at the site.

However, sometime overnight between August 19-20, they were stolen along with bags of compost which were going to be used to fill them.

The incident has been reported to the police and it is hoped the planters can be returned to Orchard Close.

Resident Yvonne Mann said: “It seems the lowest of the low to take these from the elderly.

“They are quite hefty objects and so whoever took them would’ve needed a wheelbarrow or sack truck to get them out of the garden.

“I was gobsmacked when I realised they had been stolen.

“I think it must have been someone local who knew they were there.

“They would’ve had to have come through some entrance gates to get into the complex.”

The planters had been placed next to a memorial bench in the garden, which was bought in memory of a resident who used to live in Orchard Close.

Anyone with information regarding the theft should call police on 101.