Would-be thieves have targeted another Lambeth cemetery for its valuable metal.

A grade II-listed bronze relief plaque commemorating the Victorian building magnate Benjamin Colls was desecrated as thieves attempted to steal it and sell it for cash.

The failed theft at West Norwood Cemetery is one of several similar incidents to have occurred in the borough during the last few months.

On October 7, thieves stole two imitation bronze inscription plates from the Civilian War Memorial in the Lambeth Cemetery in Blackshaw Road, while in August, lead lettering from gravestones in West Norwood cemetery was taken. Copper was also stolen from the roof of the West Norwood crematorium, as well as the nearby library, in June.

Lambeth council said the most recent incident could be linked to the Blackshaw Road theft.

Councillor Florence Nosegbe, cabinet member for culture at Lambeth Council, said the council had made efforts to secure memorial plaques with cement to ensure they were more difficult to steal. She said: “It’s beyond belief that people would damage memorials in this way just to steal a few kilos of metal.

“We’ve reported the incidents to the police and will do all we can to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Anyone with information should call Lambeth police on 02086492416 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.