Scrap metal thieves strike again

Residents are now being warned to be on the lookout for gangs of youths who have been ripping lead flashing from the bay windows of Victorian-era housing and from nearby garages.

In another attack, at Habergham Mill earlier this week, thieves ripped lead piping from the outside walls, which were linked to the sprinkler system.

Police say that as a result the property suffered flooding damage and owners were forced to undertake a clean-up operation.

Vandals were also caught trying to rip off lead flashing from the bay window of a home in Park Avenue, Burnley.

But they fled the scene, in the early hours of Wednesday, after it is believed that they were disturbed by the householder or passers-by.

Eyewitnesses have also seen youths clambering on top of garages in Pasturegate, also to steal lead.

Householders later discovered that £900 worth of metal had been taken.

Sgt Martin Bishop said: "If see anyone on top of bay windows or on garage rooves, then notify the police straight away.

"People need to be aware that it is not just the flashing taken, but the associated damage that goes with it.

"We have had half a dozen such incidents in the last few weeks and they have caused a considerable amount of damage."

Last week it was revealed that around 20 cast iron grates had been stolen from various locations in south west Burnley - and around 75 had gone missing in the previous year.

The grates have now been replaced with more lightweight alternatives, made out of another metal with a lower scrap resale value.

Thieves have also targeted homes under renovation across the borough - in one of the latest incidents in Shakespeare Street, Padiham, intruders were disturbed while apparently trying to steal the boiler and copper piping.

An attempt was also made to rip up disused railway tracks in Cliviger by youths in January - a move condemned by transport police.

Police say the relatively high value of scrap metal is to blame for the thefts.