BOSSES at Blackburn with Darwen Council are counting the cost of replacing stolen drain lids, after more than 100 were stolen in the past six months.

Since October, 111 of the cast iron lids have been stolen from the streets of the two towns.

Chiefs said it costs £120 to replace each one, making the total bill more than £13,300. It is believed the lids are being sold on for their scrap value.

Police and council bosses have called on residents to note down the registration of any car, or lorry, seen to be involved in the theft of a drain lid.

Coun Andy Kay, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Partnership, said that very few of the lids are ever recovered.

He said: "They cost around £120 each to replace, so it is in all our interests to report anyone acting suspiciously.

"There is also a danger element of people hurting themselves should they lose their footing down the hole from where a lid has been taken.

"However, we urge members of the public not to approach anyone they think may be a culprit, but to contact the police."

Inspector Claire Holbrook said: "Previously in Blackburn we have suffered at the hands of thieves stealing copper boilers from houses to sell for scrap metal.

"Operation Tremor soon took care of those offences and ensured that the criminals were visited by the police who could then officially ban them from selling at scrap dealer-ships.

"The scrap yards are all on board with the scheme.

"Officers are well aware of this type of crime and regularly arrest people transporting illegally- obtained scrap metal.

"It appears that criminals are stealing gully lids in an attempt to return to business'.

"Operation Tremor is now extending its welcoming arms to these criminals, who will be targeted and arrested."

Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 125 3545, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.