More than 40 golf buggy batteries were stolen in a co-ordinated raid, amid police warnings the acid could be used to make highly addictive drug crystal meth.

Criminals cut the batteries from buggies parked outside Sene Valley Golf Club in Blackhouse Hill, Folkestone, between 7.15pm on November 12 and 6am on November 13.

A green buggy was also taken.

The crime happened the same day as Thames Valley Police (TVP) raised concern over a wave of similar crimes nationally.

A TVP spokesman said: “It is unclear whether the thieves are selling the batteries, scrapping them or using them as a source of materials for other illegal schemes.

“In America and Canada, thefts of lead-acid batteries have been linked to the manufacture of a highly addictive Class A drug called crystal meth as large quantities of battery acid is used to make the stimulant.

“The thieves seem well organised and just cut the batteries out of the vehicles.”

The Sene Valley raid prompted Kent Police to advise golf club owners to increase security and for residents to report suspicious behaviour.

Sgt Helen Bland is one of those officers carrying out inquiries.

She said: “We have carried out a number of enquiries and provided security advice to other clubs. However this is the only report of this type that we have received in the area recently.

“The thieves seem well organised and just cut the batteries out of the vehicles" - TVP spokesman

“It goes without saying that people should be vigilant and ensure equipment is securely stored in order to avoid becoming a victim of crime.”

Security marking expensive items and retaining serial numbers and receipts will help the force return stolen goods and catch criminals, she added.

Sgt Bland added: “We would ask residents to keep an eye out for the sale of these batteries in the local area and report anything suspicious to us as soon as possible.”

No one from Sene Valley Golf Club had commented on the thefts as we went to press.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/55912/17 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.