Stuart Needham (45), of Needham's Dairy, could not believe it when customers in Upper Newbold, Chesterfield, began complaining again about stolen milk, orange juice and eggs.

He said: "These thieves are proving to be a terrible nuisance for my customers and it must be worrying to think people have been creeping around their homes.

'Deter'

"Most of my customers have been very understanding and have agreed to pay bills but these thefts have to stop because it could deter people from choosing to have their milk delivered."

Offenders have been targeting about seven properties for the last three or four Saturday mornings and Mr Needham's Newbold-based company has asked customers to keep their eyes peeled and call police.

Previously, thieves raided doorsteps in Newbold, Loundsley Green and Dunston around August last year, and stole about 200 bottles.

Police have assigned an officer to the latest case who will carry out patrols in the area concerned and Mr Needham has varied the times of his Saturday deliveries to throw offenders off the trail.

A police spokesman said: "These are disruptive thefts and we're looking into this matter and hope to track down those responsible."

Witnesses should call Derbyshire Constabulary on 0845 123 3333 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.