THE police and the Rural Dean for Andover are warning people to be vigilant after a spate of scrap metal and roofing lead thefts - including a raid on Upper Clatford church.

A large amount of lead was stolen from the village's All Saints Church between noon on Sunday and 7pm on Monday.

The Rev Jill Bentall, acting Vicar at Charlton and Rural Dean for Andover has already warned other churches in the area to be vigilant.

She said: "The price of lead has gone up which makes church roofs vulnerable.

"I urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to contact the police immediately."

Rural Sgt Glenn Curtis, based in Stockbridge, said that over recent months there had been a spate of scrap metal and roofing lead thefts.

He said: "The price of scrap metal has risen significantly and therefore a premium is now being paid for it.

"This is seen as an easy income for many opportunist thieves who spend their days and nights travelling around the countryside looking for easy pickings. These individuals will appear friendly and confident and give plausible reasons why they are where they shouldn't be."

He is urging people to contact police if they see vehicles and people acting suspiciously in their area.

If a vehicle is seen they urge people to take its registration number and pass it to the police immediately.

Contact Stockbridge police station on 0845 045 4545.