PAVING flagstones have been stolen from several homes and businesses during a spate of thefts in Blackburn in the past week.

Lancashire police said there were incidents in Shear Brow, Revidge Road, Corporation Park and Whalley Old Road.

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One businesswoman said she was ‘angry and upset’ after her store was targeted.

The thieves struck at three houses in a row in Shear Brow in the early hours of Thursday morning, leaving elderly residents shaken.

Sabira Rifai, who runs a fashion shop in Whalley Old Road, said: “I am really angry and upset that this has happened. Decent people work hard to make a living and this is an expense I can really do without.

“I rang the police, but it seemed that it was not a priority for them as they came the next day. Their response added even more to the distress I felt already.”

Labour councillor Naushad Surve said it was possible residents in his Little Harwood ward would set up a neighbourhood watch scheme in light of the thefts.

He said: “Something drastically needs to be done. Over the years we have had theft of metal, gold and cars. This is an area with such wonderful people and it is a shame that a few low-life criminals are targeting it.

“It is obvious that they are an organised gang and monitor the properties of their victims beforehand. I encourage residents to be vigilant and take down the registrations of any suspicious vehicles and driving activity that patrols around the area.

“The thefts generally occur during the early hours, but some have taken place during the day. It would be advisable to have a security camera on your property to make thefts less likely. These thieves need stopping.”

Karen Aspden, who elderly parents’ Shear Brow home was among those targeted, said: “They are shaken and upset. Someone has clearly put in quite a lot of effort to rip these out of the ground.”

Anybody with information should call 101.