by Tim Collins

tcollins@thekmgroup.co.uk

Thieves have made off with five manhole covers - the latest in a spate of metal thefts plaguing Ashford.

The drainage covers were removed from a stretch of the busy Chart Road, between the roundabout near Matalan and Great Chart village, overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

The missing covers have now been replaced with bollards as a safety measure by Kent County Council.

The Kentish Express has previously reported on a deluge of metal thefts across the area, including the removal of six manhole covers on the Godinton estate last Easter.

Kent Police have pledged to clamp down on offenders, with a number of arrests made towards the end of last year.

Inspector Angie Hobbs said: "Metal theft is a growing problem nationally because of the current high commodity prices.

"However we take the theft of metal very seriously and will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

"Metal thieves are not choosy about what they steal and target anything from the lead flashings on roofs to electricity cables and even copper piping from gas meters."

Have you been the victim of a metal theft? Call our newsroom on 01233 623232 0r email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk