Ten people have been arrested on suspicion of theft and vehicle offences as police carried out a day of action to crackdown on metal theft.

23 scrap metal yards were searched and 293 vehicles were stopped, with four vehicles being seized as officers from Lancashire Constabulary worked alongside other agencies for the operation.

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Supt Steve Pemberton said: “We are actively working to address the problem of metal theft and we will continue to run such operations to pursue those who we believe to be involved in the crime.

“The theft of metal costs individuals and businesses thousands of pounds each year – it is not a victimless crime.

“Not only that but stealing metal can be dangerous with thieves risking life and limb to steal pipes and cables.

“Residents have a key role to play to keep their property safe from lead and metal theft and I urge people to take additional precautions such as storing wheelbarrows, bins and ladders securely; considering the use of anti-vandal paint; regularly checking their roofs and installing security lighting.

Lancashire Constabulary are urging victims of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence this Christmas.

The force has launched a Christmas campaign aimed at tackling domestic abuse over the festive season, reinforcing the message that it is a crime and urging victims to come forward and contact police.

Over the past twelve months, there have been over 28,000 incidents of domestic abuse reported to the police and in nearly three out of four cases the offender is charged and brought to justice.

Lancashire Constabulary’s Head of Public Protection Unit Detective Superintendent Ian Critchley said: “There is nothing more inexcusable than abuse carried out behind closed doors by so called ‘loved ones’.

“Sadly every year over the Christmas period the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to us increases.

“On average a woman is assaulted 35 times before she makes her first call for help and we are working hard to bring this figure down.

“Victims of domestic abuse and their children have the right to live safety in their own home.

“They should be reassured that the abuse is not their fault and you they are not alone.

“I would also like to send out a message to perpetrators that we will do all we can to arrest them and bring them before the courts.

“Domestic abuse can devastate families and relationships and the police can offer protection and help to find safe accommodation.”