DRAIN covers and bolts were among items stolen by metal thieves from a construction compound at the Church Hill Centre in Redditch.

Police are appealing for witnesses and asking local scrap merchants to be on their guard in case any of the haul is offered to them for sale.

The compound, off Tanhouse Lane, was entered between 5pm on Monday, January 28 and 7.30am on Tuesday, January 29 and six drain frames with covers were taken along with around 100 steel holding bolts and a lamppost cover - together worth around £1,400.

Officers are now studying CCTV footage for clues.

PC Jon Watts said: "We'd like to hear from anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity near the compound that night or any vehicles that were there in unusual circumstances.

"We have been working closely with scrap metal dealers in the area in order to restrict the opportunities for thieves to sell on stolen property and we will continue to do so."

Anyone with information should contact PC Watts on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 68-S-300113, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.