POLICE are asking the public to be vigilant following thefts of boilers from unoccupied properties.
The emerging concern centres around the East Marsh and West Marsh areas of Grimsby.
Officers say properties are being broken into at "an alarming rate".
James Cartwright, a spokesman for police in North East Lincolnshire, said: "Boilers are being taken from unoccupied properties with little regard for the damage that is being left behind, which could result in a gas leak or possibly worse if the boilers are not removed correctly.
"It is likely that the boilers are being taken overnight and then off-loaded quickly in order to make some fast cash.
"With this in mind, police are asking for help from both members of public and also local scrap dealers or business that may take in old boilers.
"An investigation into the thefts is underway and we are looking for any connections linking the crimes and suspects involved.
"It is important that the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity at or around unoccupied properties, particularly overnight, as the chances of a professional carrying out their work overnight during the early hours are slim and the chances are those involved may not be very well equipped in order to tackle the task at hand.
"It is also vital that scrap dealers or any other local businesses report any suspicious approaches from people trying to off load boilers."
Regular visits to scrap dealers in and around the area take place as part of Humberside Police's work to reduce the opportunities for thieves to get rid of their stolen property and this work has resulted in arrests.
Anyone with information relating to the theft of boilers or any other crimes should contact Humberside Police on the non-emergency 101 number or call Crimestoppers, who will take your information anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
