THE same gang of peg tile thieves is believed to have struck three times in as many nights in the area around Maidstone.

On Tuesday July 16, 1,000 tiles were stripped from the roof of a hall behind St Peter and St Paul Church in High Street, Headcorn. Two days later, between 5pm and 7pm, about 200 were taken from the roof of an empty house in Holborough Road, Snodland and at 9pm the same evening 50 were stolen from a boiler house behind St Martin's Church in Church Lane, Detling.

A white P-registration Ford Transit van containing a number of men in their twenties was seen near to both of the churches at around the time that the thefts took place.

The tiles, sought after for restoration of traditional Kent buildings, are worth about £2,500.

Police spokeswoman Gianna Pollero said: "We would very much like to hear from anyone who might be able to help with our investigations, particularly if they have come across anybody selling the tiles." Anyone with information should contact PC Tim Stanley on 01622 608182.