DEFIANT Petersfield business owner Bill Gosney has said he 'will not be beaten by stupid thieves.'

For the fifth year running his town business had its Petersfield In Bloom entry stolen when, on Saturday night, thieves returned to Littlejohn Bathrooms and removed all six hanging baskets of flowers on display, complete with their wall brackets.

Mr Gosney has now fought back and replaced all six baskets, and they are now anchored to the walls. In addition CCTV has been installed to further deter thieves.

In the past, Mr Gosney said, thieves had taken only one basket, which he had replaced, but this time the thieves could have scuppered his chances of entering the competition at all.

The Petersfield company, based on Amey Industrial Estate, had six hanging baskets on display for the industrial frontage section of Petersfield In Bloom.

Littlejohn has entered the competition for the the past seven years and has won in the past but owner Mr Gosney was 'doubtful' they could enter this year before he decided to replace the flowers.

Mr Gosney's decision to make sure he could enter the competition came after recieving great support from Petersfield In Bloom treasurer Gill Towner, who was 'very upset and concerned' after the thefts.

"This sort of thing makes you feel you need to leave watering instructions out there with the flowers," said Mr Gosney.

Chairman of Petersfield In Bloom, Dick King, said: "It's very sad that people can't grow their own flowers. It's a sign of the times, with the church flag stolen last week, and it is just pure vandalism."

Mr Gosney thought the theft was planned as it would take a large car boot to store all of the baskets. Eighteen screws were removed from the wall, though little damage was done to the building.