Police across Avon and Somerset have put out a public appeal to call them if they see suspicious activity following the theft of a number of drain gully covers.

In recent weeks incidents have been reported in areas, including Dundry, Wrington, Nailsea, Southville and across the Chew Valley.

Detective Inspector Angela Burtonwood said: "We have had several calls from members of the public providing us with information and we are grateful for those details, which we're reviewing and assessing.

"With crimes of this nature, the best way of apprehending the offender or offenders responsible is by catching them in the act. So we would ask members of the public who see suspicious behaviour, including people in his-vis jackets seemingly lifting or inspecting drain covers late at night, to call us right away."

Police are also working with scrap metal merchants across the force area asking them to call if they see anyone trying to offload the covers.

Det Insp Burtonwood added: "Not only will it cost taxpayers money to have these covers replaced, but there are also clear health and safety concerns with drain gully covers being removed. We are working with local authorities across the force area to help mitigate those."

Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Services, said: "Earlier this month gully covers were stolen from roads in Nailsea, Wraxall and Wrington.

"Apart from being incredibly dangerous, incidents like this can end up costing thousands as we have to ensure each gully is kept safe, while we arrange for replacement covers to be installed. This may seem like a minor crime but to put it into perspective, the cost of replacing them is the equivalent to a crew fixing potholes for a month.

"We're working with the police to find those responsible. If you have any information which could help the investigations, please contact them."

Cllr David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "More than 40 drain covers have been stolen across B&NES. A significant amount of time and money will be needed to resolve this issue."