POLICE have been accused of letting metal thieves act without reproach after they struck four times on three consecutive nights in Chipping Norton.

The thieves first got to work last week when they stripped lead worth around £1,000 from the roof of The Manor House Gallery in West Street.

They returned the following night and stole more lead from The ACE Centre, Burford Road, and a nearby home in West Street.

Then thieves tried to remove bundles of lead from Jaffe & Neale Cafe and Bookshop, in Middle Row, but were foiled when the owner awoke and called the police.

Town councillor Gerry Alcock, of West Street, was one of the four victims and said the thieves caused around £3,000 damage to The Manor House Gallery.

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. I think its like putting up a big sign saying this town is open for crooks."

The thieves climbed 20ft on to the roof of The Manor House Gallery, in West Street.

They worked on the roof, stripping around £1,000 worth of lead, while under a street light and yards from a bedroom.

The lead was stuffed inside a wheelie bin and the thieves fled.

Sgt Rosemary Dilsaver, of Chipping Norton neighbourhood team, said: "An investigation is under way and 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.

"In this case 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.

Police in North Oxfordshire alone have arrested 11 people in the past two weeks on suspicion of metal thefts.