Thieves have been stealing drain and gully covers from the borough's streets - putting the lives of road users at risk.

In the past month, seven cast iron covers, some dating back to Victorian times, have been removed from roads - with Battersea being particularly badly hit.

Wandsworth councillors fear the holes left behind in the road surface are a potential death trap for cyclists, bikers and pedestrians.

The authority is not able to replace the covers immediately because they were constructed so long ago - so workers must reconstruct the entire gully.

To deter the thieves from stealing replacements, Wandsworth is now using a new hinged design which means that the grid cannot be lifted out of the frame and removed.

Transport spokesman Councillor Ravi Govindia said: “Unfortunately with scrap metal prices having risen steadily in recent months, these thefts are on the increase.

“We would like to warn road users, but particularly cyclists and motorcycle riders to pay very careful attention to the road surface in front of them, especially if they are travelling when it is dark.

“These thefts tend to happen at night and so even if you are very familiar with the route you are taking please bear in mind that the thieves may have left a gaping hole in the road surface in front of you.

“If you see anyone tampering with these metal covers, please dial 999 immediately and call the police.

“And if you spot an uncovered drain or gully please report it to us straight away so we can put in a temporary cover as quickly as possible. Please don't assume someone else has reported it. We would rather get lots of calls about the same gully than none at all.”

To report a street defect call 020 8871 6718 or email streetworks@wandsworth.gov.uk.