SCRAP metal and tools have been snatched by thieves in three villages across the Vale district.

Police said they were now linking the raids earlier this week.

Some time between Monday and Tuesday, tools were taken from Wands Recycling at Challow station on the A417.

At 3am on Wednesday scrap metal, mainly copper, was also stolen from a farm at Chilton.

Overnight between Wednesday and yesterday, more copper was stolen from a business on the A417 at Stanford in the Vale.

The Vale commander, Chief Insp Andy Boyd, did not know precisely what metal goods had been stolen, but he said: “We are linking these crimes.

“We are aware that the price of scrap metal has risen and unfortunately this has led to a number of thefts across the area.

“We are aware of these offences and are working with the scrap metal industry to identify and target the offenders responsible.”

He urged anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously earlier this week to come forward.

Anyone with any information should call police on 08548 505505 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.