NEW Forest residents should immediately dial 999 if they see “workmen” removing metal from buildings during the current spate of lead thefts.

Homes, businesses, schools and churches across the New Forest have been targeted by thieves stealing roofing lead in recent months.

Now they have turned their attention to Burley.

Criminals are also targeting manhole and drain covers, copper cable, aluminium road signs and beer kegs and trolleys.

New Forest District Council crime and disorder portfolio holder Geoff Beck recommended checking roofs regularly and said: “Watch out for ‘workmen’ arriving unexpectedly at a building and report suspicious activity to the police. Dial 999 immediately.”