Police are continuing to appeal for information about a long-bladed knife that was stolen from an allotment shed.

On Sunday, June 28, in Ivy Todd Hill, Debden, the knife was taken from a bucket hidden in the shed.

A statement from Essex Police, said: “We were called on Friday 28 June to Ivy Todd Hill, Debden following reports that a shed had been broken into at an allotment and a large knife had been taken.

“Unfortunately, there was no CCTV/no witnesses to identify the suspect and no forensic opportunities.

Our lines of enquiry have been exhausted but we will act on any new information that may come to light.”

Officers believe that the incident is connected to a string of allotment thefts in Saffron Walden which all took place within a week.

On Saturday, Friday 21, in Windmill Hill, intruders stole a camping gas kettle from a metal cupboard and damaged the fence surrounding the premises.

Then on Monday, June 24, in Bridge Street, thieves struck again, this time taking a long-handled blade.

The thieves gained access to the site by simply opening the gate before searching the storage areas of plots 19 and 20.

The buildings were not damaged but they managed to break in to each shed.

Gloves, possibly used by the thief to avoid fingerprints, were taken from a nearby plot and left in one of the sheds.

Anyone with information on these incidents should contact the police on 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.