Police have been accused of letting metal thieves act with impunity after criminals struck four times on three consecutive nights in Chipping Norton.

The thieves targeted the town on May 17, stripping about £1,000 worth of lead from the roof of the Manor House Gallery, in West Street.

The following night, they stole lead from the Ace Centre, in Burford Road, and a home in nearby West Street.

Thieves also removed bundles of lead from Jaffe & Neale Cafe and Bookshop, in Middle Row, but were foiled when the owners were woken and called police.

Town councillor Gerry Alcock, of West Street, who owns the gallery, was one of the four victims. He said the thieves caused about £3,000 damage to the roof.

He added: "They probably got a couple of hundred pounds for the lead but they caused thousands of pounds of damage to the gallery.

"My concern is that police don't really appear to be treating this seriously.

"All the criminals know the police rarely patrol here at night and most of the buildings are poorly protected. It's like putting up a big sign saying this town is open for crooks."

Thieves climbed 20ft on to the roof of the gallery, stripping off the metal while under a street light and yards from a bedroom.

They put the lead in a wheelie bin to take it away.

Sgt Rosemary Dilsaver, of Chipping Norton police, said: "An investigation is under way. If anyone saw anything suspicious, then please get in touch - all evidence is essential.

"Chipping Norton is policed 24 hours a day, however, the area commander is eagerly awaiting what he hopes will be a positive decision by Chipping Norton Town Council to take the opportunity currently on offer for CCTV to be deployed in the town centre.

"This would only help our effort and deter offending.

"In the meantime, I urge people to keep a look out for suspicious vehicles, or anyone acting suspiciously in the town, to contact police immediately.

"We need residents to act with community spirit and keep an eye on neighbours' properties, local businesses, churches and schools."

There have been at least 2,000 metal and lead thefts in Oxfordshire in the past year. Prices for scrap metal have soared due to demand in China and India.

Police in north Oxfordshire have arrested 11 people in the past two weeks in connection with metal thefts.