THIEVES hoping to cash in on high metal prices have struck again.

In recent days, 11 gulley covers have been stolen in the Thamesmead area, at a replacement cost of nearly £3,000.

Earlier this year, more than 100 covers were stolen in the borough at a cost of £25,000.

Bexley has sprayed its gulley covers with permanent blue or green paint in a bid to identify them if thieves try to sell them for scrap.

Council officers and police have also warned scrapyards not to buy any metal bearing the distinctive markings.

The council has had to send emergency crews to replace the stolen covers, which protect the surface water drains in the gulleys at the side of roads, because of the dangers to cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.

Recently, Gallions Housing Association in Thamesmead spent £10,000 replacing metal panels stolen from the inside of eight tower block lifts.

Bexley is asking the public to call the police if they spot anything suspicious, including the registration numbers of any vehicles.

To report a missing gulley cover, call the council’s highways and amenities team on 020 8303 7777.