METAL thieves in Bexley have hit a new low, stealing the large bronze plaques from the war memorial in Oaklands Road, Bexleyheath.

The five plaques contain the names of all the borough’s servicemen who lost their lives in both World Wars.

They were prised off the memorial overnight on October 12.

The theft, just a month before Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, means there will not be enough time to replace them before any memorial services.

Bexley Council has urged people who see anyone “working” on the borough’s war memorials to call 020 8303 7777 and ask for the cemeteries office, or out of office hours, to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Anyone with information about the Oaklands Road theft is also asked to call Crimestoppers.