THIEVES stole more than £1,000 worth of prize fish from a back garden pond. Janet Duffy, 46, who lives alone in Cranmore Avenue, Park South, went to feed her 14 beloved pets as usual around 8pm on Tuesday, when she discovered they had been taken.

Police believe the thieves jumped over the fence and took the fish before walking away unnoticed.

Five shibunkins, four koi carp, two fan tails and three large goldfish were scooped out of the pond using nets.

Mrs Duffy, a care assistant, said: "I couldn't believe it. Usually when I go out to feed them they all rush to the surface, but it was all quiet on Tuesday night and I knew something was up.

"Keeping fish has been a hobby for more than six years and I adored them.

"My grandchildren used to love coming round to feed them, and I don't know what I'm going to say.

"I can't understand how no-one saw anyone carrying 14 large fish up the street because they are all so enormous it's not an easy job, I can assure you.

"I can only get three or four in a baby bath at a time so I don't know how these people stole the rest. I've spoken to all my neighbours and they all said they didn't see anything strange.

"I just hope that whoever took these fish is feeling extremely guilty because I was very attached to them and it's taken me many years to rear them.

"I don't think I'll ever see them again because they are very easily sold, but I would definitely recognise my fan tails if I saw them."

Mrs Duffy is rebuilding the pond, which did not have netting, and has vowed to replace her stolen fish as soon as she can afford to.

Anyone with information is urged to call the police on Swindon 528111 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on (0800) 555 111.