MORE than 2,400 incidents of metal theft took place across East Lancashire within a year, latest police figures show.

This amounts to more than six thefts a day that were reported to Lancashire Constabulary from April 2011 to March 2012.

Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley policing area had the most metal thefts reported, at 1,274, in the whole of Lancashire.

This was closely followed by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, where the figure stands at 1,199.

In Blackburn alone, an average of two thefts a day took place in the year.

Police said the numbers of metal thefts were falling.

There were 177 metal thefts reported in the area to police in May, compared to 269 in May last year.

A police spokeswoman said: “Metal theft continues to be a problem, not just in Lancashire, but across the country.

“Thieves are taking more risks to carry out offences, and it is not just the value of the metal that impacts on the victim, but also the disruption it brings and the collateral damage.”

She said: “The theft of metal costs individuals and businesses thousands of pounds each year. It is not a victimless crime.

“Not only that, but stealing metal can be dangerous, with thieves risking life and limb to steal pipes and cables.

“We will continue to pursue those involved in the theft of cable and scrap metal and bring them to justice. We also use property marking systems, such as Smartwater, to make it easier for us to identify stolen metals and arrest those responsible.

“The public have a key role to play to keep their property safe from theft and I urge people to take extra precautions, such as storing wheelbarrows, bins, and ladders securely; consider the use of anti-vandal paint; regularly check roofs, and install security lighting.

“Anything suspicious should be reported to the police.”