A SPATE of metal thefts are being investigated which have seen seven manhole and drain covers stolen.

Police said the incidents, centring at Clayton-le-Moors, have also included an attempted theft of lead from the roof of Mercer Hall in Great Harwood.

Officers said problems were so bad that they visited local scrap metal dealers on a daily basis in a bid to discourage the crime.

Sergeant Stuart Banks said the most recent incidents, which saw seven drain covers stolen in the Pickup Street and Charles Street area this week, are being investigated.

And residents are being urged to be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles cruising around the streets late at night looking for scrap metal.

Sgt Banks said: “As a matter of public safety the drains have been covered up straight away but it illustrates a major issue that we have in this area.

“In the past it has been a sporadic issue but there are some problems at the moment.

“We suspect that there are gangs of people who are trawling the streets looking for scrap and we would encourage residents to call the police if they spot these people.

“We can check them out. They often look like old-fashioned rag and bone men but they are stealing scrap metal indiscriminately.

“Often the scrap can only be worth £100 but the damage caused to the buildings can be well into the thousands.”

He said that the cast iron drain covers could be worth up to £200.

One resident said: “A child could easily have been seriously injured , especially as the thieves targeted the Mercer Park area of town.

"Cars could have sustained damage as well. This sort of thing is both despicable and indiscriminate.”