Brass plaques and nameplates worth thousands of pounds have been stolen from businesses in a single Kidderminster street  with others left damaged.

Thieves targeted firms in Church Street, making off with 11 plaques and damaging others they had tried unsuccessfully to remove.

Bosses are now counting the costs of replacements  with the larger plaques estimated to cost up to £1,000 each to replace.

Lesley Murphy, manager of Bradley and Shorthouse dentists, said four nameplates had been stolen from outside their building.

“We have had people coming in asking if we are closing which is not the case. Others have not been able to find us.

“How to replace the signs is also an issue. Using cheaper materials just does not look as good.”

Practice manager Claire Pawson said: “We have tried to look on the bright side by saying all dentists want to be plaque-free but not like this.

“However really it is not a laughing matter. This will be very costly for businesses in this street.”

West Mercia Police are investigating and have urged witnesses to contact them on 0300 333 3000 or to call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.