RESIDENTS of a Hampshire village are being reminded to stay vigilant after a spate of lead thefts.

Premises in Titchfield, including seven homes in West Street, Bridge Street and High Street, had lead stripped from their roofs along with Garstons Garden Centre which had the lead ripped off its porches.

Many properties in the village have also shown signs of attempts to remove metal cladding.

Currently, the market price for scrap lead is thought to be around £1 a kg.

A statement from Hampshire police said: “We can confirm that there were a number of lead thefts in the area in the night of Monday, November 20, into the morning of Tuesday, November 21.

“Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity, people taking an undue interest in village buildings or any suspicious looking vehicles in these areas should call Hampshire police on 101.

“Alternatively, if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.”

One of the ways police are advising locals to stay safe is to use SmartWater, a traceable liquid that carries a unique forensic ‘code’.

It is registered to residents’ addresses and is almost impossible to remove.

It can only be seen using UV light, which officers say is an effective solution to helping deter metal theft and also to help identify any recovered stolen property.

Nick Girdler, chairman of the Titchfield Village Trust, was disappointed to hear of the spate of thefts.

Nick said: “Quite how they do it without raising attention is beyond many of us, but do it they c

an.

“For many the option of replacing the lead with something that won’t be stolen isn’t available.”