POLICE are reiterating warnings to residents to be vigilant after further lead thefts in Batchley, Redditch.

More than 10 lead thefts or attempted thefts have been reported in the same area over a couple of days, including six in one street, Yew Tree Road.

Other streets targeted include Sanders Close, Appletree Lane, Rowan Road, and Lime Tree Crescent.

They happened between Monday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 28 and the majority are believed to have occurred during the night.

One resident of Yew Tree Road was disturbed by noises at 2am and at 3am on September 28, but the noises ceased when she put the lights on.

In most cases, lead flashing had been stolen from porch roofs and above bay windows.

The most recent incidents follow thefts of lead from five properties in Cedar Road, Batchley, September 14.

An elderly woman contacted police at 5am after challenging two men, but although police were quickly on scene, the offenders had fled.

Offenders are likely to have a vehicle so anyone who sees people on a roof and becomes suspicious is asked to make a note of the registration number and contact police.

Crime reduction advisor Pete Aston said: "Sometimes lead thefts are not even noticed until it rains in, so there may be other incidents which have not been reported.

"It is not just the cost but the considerable inconvenience that householders face in having to arrange for repairs.

"It is very difficult for residents to prevent lead thefts but there are steps they can take to deter thieves. They could consider installing an outside light which comes on when it detects movement, keep hedges trimmed so houses can be seen easily from the road and close garden gates."

In a separate incident, £700 worth of lead flashing was stolen from Church Hill Middle School, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 28.

A man has been arrested and charged with theft and receiving stolen goods in connection with this incident, and is due before Redditch magistrates on 11 October.