Lead thefts are a “serious problem”

Lead has been stolen from porch roofs in the Smallbridge area. This house on Hollow Spell, was one of several which was targetted.

A series of lead thefts have been carried out in the Smallbridge area of Rochdale.

Lead has been stolen from the porch roofs of several properties. Police have had four reports of led theft since Tuesday (1 March 2011).

Smallbridge and Firgrove Councillor Jean Ashworth said the area had been “rife” with lead thefts over the past week.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police, said: “Police are investigating a number of incidents where lead has been stolen from roofs in the Smallbridge area.

“Since 1 March 2011, police have received four reports of lead being stolen from roofs on Howarth Green (Ashbrook Hey Lane), Oakcliffe Road and two on Hollow Spell.

“The value of each piece of lead ranges from £40-£100.

“Inquiries are ongoing.”

Councillor Ashworth is appealing to all the people who have been victims of this crime to report the thefts to the police.

She said: “I want to get the message out there that these thefts have got to be reported. This is a serious problem.

“It is just horrendous, people need to be aware and I am urging people to be more vigilant that these people are around in the early hours of the morning.

“This problem needs to be highlighted.”