POLICE are appealing for information and asking people to take extra precautions to protect their property while scrap metal prices are high.

Officers in South Gloucestershire say the recent increase in thefts of metal, particularly lead, is likely to continue as prices look set to remain high.

Thieves are targeting homes, businesses and churches, committing these thefts at any time of the day or night.

There are steps people can take to protect their property: Make it difficult for thieves to access your roof. Ensure ladders are securely locked away and make sure wheelie-bins, water butts and so on can't be used to climb up Keep gates locked and restrict vehicle access Ensure wheelie-bins and wheelbarrows, which could be used to remove stolen metal, are locked away Apply anti-climb paint to drain pipes and roof guttering. (It should not be applied below a height of two metres and notices warning of its use should be prominently displayed) Thieves can be deterred by painting lead with a high-tech DNA marker, such as SELECTADNA, a grease which has a DNA tracer. It can be used on leaded windows, piping and roofing. It slashes the resale value and helps identify the metal as stolen.

Police are also asking people to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour and report it immediately to the police on 0845 456 7000.

Information about those responsible for stealing or buying stolen lead can also be passed on to officers by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Calls to Crimestoppers could lead to a reward.