THIEVES were recently caught in the act while stripping lead from the roof of a property in Redditch.

Police officers were called to Cedar Road, Batchley, at about 5am on Wednesday, September 14 after an elderly resident became aware of activity on her bungalow roof and spotted two men taking lead flashing.

When she challenged them they ran off in the direction of the town centre.

Eight police officers were sent to the scene, the first arriving within five minutes of the call.

However they were unable to locate the offenders despite an extensive search of the area.

A quantity of lead was recovered in Cedar Road and it was established that five properties had been targeted by the thieves.

Redditch District Inspector Ian Joseph said: "This is the latest in a series of metal thefts across the district.

“Our patrols are on the lookout for this type of offence but we need everyone to remain vigilant and to contact us if they see it happening or notice suspicious activity on roofs.

“The quicker we are alerted the more chance there is that we will catch these criminals in the act."

He added that as part of the police response to recent thefts officers would continue to make enquiries with local scrap dealers who might get approached to buy stolen metal and remind them of their legal responsibilities.