Beleaguered pubs close to Frome have said that on top of struggling financially, they are now the target of a new type of theft.

The White Hart owners got in touch with Nub News to highlight how they have now been targeted by a group in a van, which are stealing cooking oil.

Dell Gill got in touch to say: " Owners are struggling. Yet pubs are been targets by gangs in vans. The gangs are going round every pub in the area trying to take used cooking oil and possibly other items.

"Cooking oil is normally exchanged for a small discount on your next order. Some of these gangs pretend they are from the cooking oil companies. But in broad day light well hard working landlords are suffering the affects of lockdown people are taking advantage.

"These gangs can visit up to 40 pubs a day this is a huge problem. We need to create awareness and let them know it's not acceptable. "

The White Hart team say they are wise to the problem, and the thieves left without gaining anything, but they want to warn other pubs.

The police in Wiltshire have told Nub News that they suspect there have been other incidents and are now working on linking them up.

Officers confirmed that they had a report of a theft from The White Hart in Corsley that occurred at approximately 3.30pm on Thursday, February 4.

In a statement Wilts police said: "Three suspects have allegedly attempted to steal a number of barrels of used cooking oil before they have been challenged and have left empty handed.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact us on 101 and quote crime reference number 54210011289. "

Police say they have two more incidents : Appealing for information following an incident of theft from a fish and chip shop in Mere.

The incident occurred on Thursday 4 February when it is reported that at around 2.00pm suspects have attempted to steal barrels of used oil from the back of Mere Fish & Chips.

They made off without any oil after being disturbed. It is believed that a blue Ford Transit van is connected and it is linked to similar incidents at The Walnut Tree pub in Mere and The White Hart Pub in Corsley.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 and quote crime reference 54210011246.