RESIDENTS in Rishton are getting brassed off after thieves turned their attention to stealing door knockers.

Homeowners in the Commercial Street and Lord Street areas have noticed the brass knockers have been going missing and now police are carrying out house-to-house investigations.

So far around eight thefts have been recorded during the Halloween and bonfire night period.

Police officers have not ruled out the possibility of scrap metal thieves, adding that it is one of the avenues they are looking into.

Sergeant Stuart Banks, based at Great Harwood police station, said: "We are not sure that it’s scrap metal thieves at this stage.

"We get a steady stream of scrap metal being stolen. However, the price of scrap metal is coming down quite considerably which seems to be influencing the crime rates.

"We are concerned about gangs, or individuals, stealing scrap metal and we are urging residents to be on the lookout and report any suspicious behaviour."