The Enquirer revealed last week how police across the country have launched a campaign to stop soaring thefts from construction sites as the price of metal keeps rising.

Police have described the latest incidents in the Rushcliffe area as “like stealing candy from a baby.”

The district council confirmed thieves had taken slides, connecting bridges, panels out of shelters, metal rungs and even metal bin inserts from the playgrounds.

The council said replacement parts had been ordered at a cost of about £16,000.