Schools across the Canterbury district have been put on high alert after six suffered raids in less than a week.

Thieves broke into the grounds of schools in Sturry, Herne Bay and Chartham overnight on Monday, having already targeted others in Wincheap and the city centre.

The first hit was Archbishop’s in St Stephen’s Hill, Canterbury, on Wednesday, March 2.

Two rotary mowers, a leaf blower, hedge cutters and a chainsaw were swiped from a shipping container between 7pm and 5.30am.

In the early hours of Monday morning (March 7) burglars fled with a £5,500 John Deere ride-on mower after breaking into a garage at the Orchard School in Cambridge Road, Wincheap.

The following night three metal containers at the Spires Academy in Bredlands Lane, Westbere, were ransacked.

"We are appealing to members of the public to keep their eyes and ears peeled and to report any suspicious activity to us..." - Sgt Lee Thompson

Thieves escaped with a £2,700 ride-on mower at some time between 10.15pm and 6am the following morning.

Between 10pm and 11pm that night locks were cut on an external gate and shipping containers at Herne Bay High School in Bullockstone Road, but nothing was stolen.

Locks were also cut on a gate and outbuildings at Chartham Primary School in Shalmsford Street on the same night, but again nothing was stolen.

Reculver Church of England primary in Hillborough Road, Herne Bay, was targeted Monday night and on Tuesday night.

Teachers are trying to work out what has been stolen but £50 worth of damage has been caused to padlocks.

Police have warned schools to remain vigilant and are making visits to give advice on crime prevention.

Sgt Lee Thompson said: “All the incidents are reported to have taken place outside school hours and we are appealing to members of the public to keep their eyes and ears peeled and to report any suspicious activity to us.

“The offenders would have needed vehicles to transport the items so we ask anyone who may have seen suspicious vehicles on or near school grounds to contact us.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered similar items for sale.”

Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting crime reference ZY/7541/16.