Schools in Huntingdonshire have had lead and copper worth more than £1,200 stolen from their roofs over the last few months.
Senior councillors at Cambridgeshire County Council have condemned the thefts for disrupting children's education and putting lives at risk.
Two schools in Huntingdonshire have been the victims of lead or copper theft - Hinchingbrooke School in Hu
ntingdon and Priory Park Infant School in St Neots.
A total of 22 schools across the whole of Cambridgeshire have suffered similar thefts - including 13 in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, three in East Cambridgeshire and four in Fenland.
The thefts will cost the county council more than £75,000, but the authority is increasing security at school sites as a result.
Cllr Jill Tuck, Cabinet member for Children and Young People's Services, said: "These thefts are highly irresponsible and on the increase. Not only do they disrupt children's education when affected buildings have to close, but they also pose a great danger - not only to the children but also to the thieves themselves.
"The theft of copper and lead on a scale such as this requires large vehicles and takes considerable time. I would urge everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around schools to contact the police immediately, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
Cambridgeshire Police are currently undertaking Operation Saruman to try to stem the rise in the number of metal thefts across the county.
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