POLICE in Burnley today appealed for information following a spate of paving stone thefts in the area.

More than a dozen incidents have occurred in the area over the last month, including the theft of paving stones from the war memorial in Towneley Park.

Others have been taken from homes, leaving a trail of destruction and in some cases, substantial repair bills for the owners. Police said they needed the public's help to track down thieves and buyers.

Inspector John Clucas said: "Thieves think that stolen flags are hard to trace but there are ways and means and we have had a number of successful prosecutions.

"What we need is for members of the public to report suspicious activity and then we can move in and investigate. We need registration numbers of suspicious vehicles -- perhaps cars or vans spotted picking up or unloading flags -- and descriptions of the offenders.

"We also want information from anyone who knows about the sale of stolen flags and we would like to hear from anyone who has been offered cheap flags which may have been stolen." Anyone with information should contact 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Insp Clucas added: "Theft is a serious crime and in addition to seeking prosecutions for offenders we will also be actively seeking to remove the vehicles being used by thieves.

"We will also be checking up on people who have purchased flags and if those flags are found to be stolen, then they too, will face Police action."