Worcestershire thieves target drain and manhole covers

More than 40 manhole and drain covers have been stolen from towns and villages in Worcestershire.

Areas around Evesham and Redditch were particularly targeted between Friday and Tuesday, with more than 18 covers taken from Wickhamford.

West Mercia police said that pedestrians and other road users could have been seriously injured or even killed.

Crime reduction officer Peter Aston said: "We are urging all road users to be vigilant especially at night.

"Often thieves will pretend they are highways workers, and may be wearing fluorescent jackets and be in official-looking vehicles, sometimes with flashing lights."

Police said they would be stopping and checking vehicles carrying scrap metal and visiting scrapyards.