THIEVES have stolen 20 drain covers in an area of Burnley in just over 12 hours - putting people's safety in jeopardy.

Police received reports that a number of the steel covers had gone missing from streets in the Ightenhill area of the town.

Now Lancashire County Council, which is responsible for maintaining the borough's roads, is facing a bill running into thousands of pounds to replace the lids with each new cover costing £300 to install.

It is believed the thieves stole the covers to sellfor scrap, even though police said they would only be worth about £2 each.

Inspector Damian Darcy said: "They are probably only worth about £2 each in scrap but they cost about £300 for the council to replace because of the labour costs.

"This is having to come out of everyone's pocket through council tax.

"Not only is it annoying, there is also an element of public safety. Motorists could have driven into them and pedestrians could have fallen down the holes."

The spate the thefts took place between 5pm on Sunday and 9am on Monday. One of the incidents took place by Padiham MOT Centre, Ightenhill Street.

Police have no descriptions of the thieves, but officers believed they would have used a vehicle to take the lids away.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone who can help should contact Sergeant Phil Hutchinson on 01282 425001.