POLICE in South West Fife are asking members of the public to be on the lookout after a series of metal thefts in the area with unscrupulous thieves targeting churches in particular.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Wilson, from South West Fife villages, said, "The past few months has seen lead stolen from Inverkeithing Parish Church and an attempt to do the same at Rosyth Parish Church.

"Lead was also stolen from Rosyth Health Centre and the Masonic Hall at Hope Street in Inverkeithing.

"The people stealing this roofing material give no thought to the result of their action.

"Often the theft is not noticed until it rains and the roof leaks. The owners are then hit with a substantial repair bill.

"I am keen to stress that we will deal with these thieves robustly should they be identified and would like to encourage people to come forward with any information they may have.

"While this may be seen as a victimless crime, the theft of metal affects every member of our community in some way and we are keen to eradicate this problem.

"Anyone who has any information about any of the above crimes or with the theft of scrap metal in general in should contact Fife police on 08456005702 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111. Any contact will be treated confidentially."