These stern notices have appeared on the walls of the Civic Centre toilets warning councillors and staff about an unusual crime wave sweeping across the council offices.

The laminated messages, which appeared in bathroom cubicles all over the building this summer, appeal to visitors to contact staff if they spot would-be thieves making off with rolls of toilet paper.

The signs complain of the cost, presumably borne by tax payers, of replacing the rolls and warn of the dangerous side-effect of damaged toilet roll holders falling onto unsuspecting visitors.

A council spokesman described the thefts as an ongoing problem and said: "Lockable roll dispensers have been installed to help prevent thefts. We are trying to get to the bottom of who is behind it, but so far, have nothing to go on."