Stainless steel lower-off rings, plus some hangers and some lower-off maillons have been taken from different venues including: Penmaen Head, Ty Newydd, Llanddulas Cave and Dyserth Castle Slab.

Local climber and activist Andy Boorman said:

"I thought at first that the thefts were being carried out by local youths, but in some cases it would definitely have to be people with access to and knowledge of how to use climbing gear."

Please leave all fixed gear in place at these sport climbing venues. The maillons and rings are there to allow lowering-off without wear and tear to the actual bolts. These routes are equipped by local climbers, often from their own pocket and it is a difficult and time-consuming job. No one wants to have to go back and do it a second time.

Also, if you see anyone removing gear on these venues, please respectfully ask them to refrain and explain to them the situation.

• And, while we're on about bolts - why not swoosh over a donation to your local bolt fund: UKBoltfund.org