Residents living near schools and colleges are being told to be on the lookout for metal thieves during the summer holidays.
Gwent Police has said there has been a rise in the number of metal thefts from school buildings since term time ended.
During the last week, copper and lead from Coed-y-Brain Infants School, in Llanbradach, and Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys campus have been stolen.
Officers are also reminding residents to be more vigilant and not to leave items such as bicycles, garden equipment and garden tools out in their gardens.
Dean White, Detective Inspector for Caerphilly Local Policing Unit, said: “We ask all residents to be extra vigilant to this crime and to report any information they may have in relation to this activity to Gwent Police.
“As the schools remain close, we have increased our patrols around the schools to ensure we are providing a visible presence in the community. By working with residents in the areas we hope to deter criminals from targeting further schools.”