RESIDENTS in Burnley are being urged to be extra vigilant following a spate of lead thefts on a single day from houses in Burnley.

Police issued the message after thieves climbed on wheelie bins to reach strips of lead from four porch roofs at properties in Heather Bank and Rossendale Road.

Hundreds of pounds worth of lead was stolen from the houses overnight between Friday (25) and Saturday (26).

Officers have launched an investigation and vowed to continue with a major crackdown on metal thieves operating in the borough.

PCSO Charlotte Broadhurst, of Burnley Police, said: “We work closely with the Environment Agency, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the Department for Work and Pensions to carry out operations to target scrap metal thieves.

“We regularly visit scrap metal dealers to target those who seek to profit from crime by cashing in at local dealers.

“Anyone found in possession of stolen scrap metal can expect to be dealt with robustly.

“I urge people to remain extra vigilant and contact the police if they see anything suspicious in their neighbourhood.”

The theft comes after police figures showed scrap metal thefts of lead in Lancashire have doubled in the last year.

In 2009, there were 728 lead thefts in the county but this increased to 1,469 in 2010.

According to police, an increase in world prices for metals was creating a ready market for thieves.

In recent months thieves have stolen from schools, churches, war memorials and graveyards.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.