URMSTON residents are being warned to be on their guard after a recent spate of lead thefts in the area.

Over the past month, there have been 25 reported lead theft incidents in the area, with thieves stealing from garage roofs, porches and back gardens.

Between September 1 and 12, there were 12 thefts in Flixton and in the past few weeks thieves have concentrated on Davyhulme stealing hundreds of pounds worth of lead in separate incidents.

Inspector Bryan Hepburn, from the Urmston Neighbourhood Policing Team, has warned residents to be on their guard and to report anything suspicious and said patrols would be stepped up in the affected areas.

He said the thefts were thought to have been carried out by one or two small groups, who were collecting and selling the lead to scrap metal dealers.

Properties hit by the thieves include homes on Woodhouse Road, Winchester Road, Flixton Road, Bent Lane and Kingsway Park. Thieves also targeted the Railway Pub in Flixton.

Hundreds of pounds worth of water damage was caused to one Woodhouse Road couple’s porch after thieves stole the £600 lead roof while they were away on holiday.

John Waller, 65, and his wife Pauline, 67, cut short their summer break when they discovered thieves had stripped the lead from their porch roof.

The couple were devastated to discover the theft and want to make people in the area aware that thieves are operating.

John said: “I want to warn other people in the area to be vigilant because it could happen to them.”

Greater Manchester Police cracked down on metal thieves with a day of action on September 23 that resulted in 12 arrests.

Operation Alloy saw more than 200 special operations targeting metal thieves, with raids at 65 auto salvage and scrap dealers.

Chief Superintendent Neil Wain, who headed the day of action, said: "Criminals and the good people of our county can be assured that Operation Alloy will continue to target those who steal or handle stolen metals over the coming months.

"I would urge people to help us by making their homes, businesses and community buildings less vulnerable to thieves by using security lights, fencing, alarms and good locks to keep thieves at bay.”