People have been urged to keep a look out for the lead thieves

Public buildings, business premises, village halls and churches have been targeted for their roof flashing and other lead-based material.

Police said a number of the offences had occurred in daylight and often involved the use of vans or lorries.

They added the robbers often posed as contractors to avoid detection.

The most recent reported theft was just after midnight on Tuesday at St Mary's Church, in Franklyn Road, Godalming.

Thieves are believed to have used a small light-coloured van to take away lead stolen from the roof.