Police have shut the door on a recent shed theft in St Albans, leaving its owners "resigned".

Retirees, Erica, 65, and husband Philip Lynwood, 56, were "shocked" to see their prized shed was lifted from its foundations in October leaving police to search for the thieves.

There was nothing left but the shed's foundations following the theft.There was nothing left but the shed's foundations following the theft. (Image: Submitted) The former £1,300 outbuilding was a retirement present from their children and had unusually be taken without the expensive tools and equipment that were inside.

Unfortunately over two weeks on, all viable police leads have been fulfilled leading to the closure of the case.

Erica and Philip described their dismay at the ending of the investigation as their "space to relax" may be gone forever.

They are particularly upset as Erica suffers from chronic fatigue after a recent stroke and the shed was somewhere for her to sit and calm down to avoid getting overtired.

Erica and Philip Lynwood are known as the 'Guerilla Gardeners' as they maintain three gardens in the local area. Erica and Philip Lynwood are known as the 'Guerilla Gardeners' as they maintain three gardens in the local area. (Image: Erica Lynwood) "Our reaction to the closure of the case is one of resignation," Erica said. 

"There were no viable leads to follow up, and although descriptions of the thieves were available, we have no idea where the shed was taken."

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The couple were thankful for the community's support and for everyone who aided the investigation but were not hopeful of their sheds discovery.

She said: "Unless an eagle eyed member of the public has either read the article or seen something on Facebook, it would mean nothing if a shed was being built next door of the same materials."

Erica was also "reluctant" to purchases a new shed in fear of the worse.

"I do have a lot of scrap wood and am considering building a shelter out of it," she added.

"My building skills are rudimentary so nobody is likely to steal anything made by me!" 

The £1,300 custom-built shed before it had been stolen.The £1,300 custom-built shed before it had been stolen. (Image: Submitted) The 65-year-old was unsure if anything could be done to better secure the Nunnery Allotment site in Mentmore Road, but assured The National Allotment Society was now aware of the case. 

Erica commented: "They said thefts from allotment are unfortunately on the rise, but they had never heard of a shed being taken before."

When contacted by The Herts Advertiser, a spokesperson for Herts police said: "All lines of inquiry have now been completed. Any new information that comes to light will be acted on accordingly."