A GANG has struck 20 times in 10 days stealing lead from houses to sell on as scrap.

Now police are warning people to be on the lookout after the spate of thefts in the Gannow area of Burnley.

Officers say there have been almost 20 incidents of lead flashing being taken from the roofs of outhouses since the start of the month.

The thefts occurred in Coniston Street, Wren Street, Accrington Road, Padiham Road, Station Road, and Wren Street. It is believed two thieves are working together.

They are climbing onto roofs, without residents noticing.

Inspector Damian Darcy, of Burnley Police, said: "We have had a large number of thefts of lead flashing being reported over the last few weeks in the streets around the top of Gannow.

"We are appealing for people to keep an eye out for anybody who may be working on either the roof of their house without permission, or other properties.

"If people have any suspicions they should call the police, rather than confronting the workers, as I'm sure they will have a ready explanation for what they are doing.

"The problem with these thefts is not just the value of what is being taken. It is that once the lead is taken off a property the rain gets in and starts causing damage."

Police have issued descriptions of two suspects. They are two white men, one 5ft 10ins tall with short dark hair, wearing a dark jacket embossed on the back, and tracksuit bottoms with a red stripe down the side. The second is 5ft 6ins tall and possibly a youth.

Call PC Andy Uttley, community beat manager for Gannow, on 01282 425001, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.