THIEVES in Bury are cashing in on the current high price for scrap copper and lead - and creating havoc for households and businesses.

During the past 12 weeks, police have received 56 reports of stolen lead and 18 reports of stolen copper.

Business premises, public buildings and residential homes have had lead stripped from roofs and porches.

Copper piping has also been removed, mainly from empty buildings, and entire central heating systems being stolen from some premises.

Gaynor Mason, crime reduction advise for Bury police, said: "A shortage of raw materials is driving a high price for copper and lead at scrap yards.

"This type of theft is easy pickings for thieves who target residential premises while occupants are away on holiday and they target public building and businesses when they are closed.

"Where possible, lead should not be replaced like-for-like and advice sought from professional tradesman regarding the use of alternative products such as flash banding or Metaflash. Copper piping can also be replaced with plastic speed fit pipes but advice should be sought on a case-by-case basis".

Anyone with information on suspects for this type of theft can contact Bury Police on (0161) 856 8061 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.