HYNDBURN residents are being warned to watch their step after a number of drain covers were stolen.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe urged people to take care after a number were removed from streets in Oswaldtwistle last week.

The council has reported the theft of six drain covers between 5pm last Tuesday and 2pm the following day -- three from Rhyddings Street, two from Albert Street and one from the junction of Union Road and Monarch Street.

Coun Britcliffe said: "We are asking anybody who sees anyone acting suspiciously to report it to the police.

"This is an extremely dangerous practice, which could lead to serious injury for pedestrians who don't notice that a grating has been removed.

"It's also expensive to replace the gratings."

It is thought the thieves took the grates to sell them as scrap metal as they were worth around £200 in total.

Inspector Terry Woods, of Accrington Police, added: "We are aware that this type of dangerous activity is going on, and we would ask members of the public who spot anything going on to call us."

The police can be contacted by calling 08451 253545.

Members of the public who spot a location where a cover has already been stolen or removed, are asked to report it to the Lancashire Highways Partnership on 0845 053 0011.