ACTS of vandalism and break-ins at properties owned by Wigan Council in recent weeks have cost the authority around £35,000.

The roofs at The Pelican Centre in Tyldesley, The Atherton Centre and Golborne Library have been damaged.

Lead has been stolen from the Tyldesley centre, slates have been smashed at The Atherton Centre and CCTV equipment as well as the roof has been damaged at the library.

The visitor centre roof at Pennington Flash Country Park has also been vandalised, resulting in anti-climb measures being put in place.

Vandals have damaged toilets at The Turnpike Centre in Leigh and there have been a number of attempted break-ins at Heathside Residential Home on Plank Lane in the town.

A spokesman for the council said: “A crime spree is costing council taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds.

“A series of break-ins at council buildings and acts of vandalism has taken place in recent weeks.

“We need the public's help to be vigilant and report any incidents they see.

“Any money used for repairs is money lost to essential services.”

Anyone with information about the crimes should contact Greater Manchester Police on 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.