DORSET Police are asking the general public to be on their guard after a 122 per cent month-on-month increase in metal thefts around the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch conurbation.

Most of the metal stolen is copper.

Mark Harper, police crime prevention adviser, said: “With the price of scrap metal – particularly lead and copper – on the increase, it makes sense to invest in suitable security to protect your building and assets from thieves.

“There is no doubt we can reduce this type of offence. However we must be vigilant and take relevant security precautions.

“It is unlikely that the price of metal will significantly reduce in the near future, so a reasonable investment in security now could save you thousands of pounds in the future.”