Six properties on Firs Parade in Matlock were targeted in an overnight attack on Sunday when copper piping was cut from the walls at the back of the businesses leaving open pipes.

Shopkeepers have been left with out-of-order sinks and toilets and are facing expensive repair costs.

Leslie Hulme, manageress of the Sue Ryder charity shop noticed the damage on Monday morning and called the police.

She said: "We were having a problem emptying the sink.

"We came outside to look at the pipe and all the water was running down the wall and spraying out."

Mrs Hulme said the charity now faced a bill to repair the pipe.

She added: "I'm just annoyed it has to come to the fact people pinch copper piping whether its from a charity or business. It is an inconvenience we could have done without."

Norma Storer, manageress at Hayes the Bakers, said their sink was also now out of use.

She added: "It's pathetic. It just makes you wonder what they are going to take next."

Lucy Crehan of High Peak Cleaners said thieves had struck three times before. A grate had been put up around the pipes and they had also been painted black in a bid to discourage vandals.

Pc Wendy Foxon of Matlock police said the shops were lucky not to have flooded with the heavy rain and open pipes.

She added that copper thefts were increasing due to soaring prices of scrap metal.

In a separate incident thugs ripped metalwork off a building at Bakewell cemetery at the weekend.

The robbers prised cast iron metal work off the lodge between 5pm on Saturday and 9am on Monday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incidents. Anyone with information should contact Pc Foxon regarding the Matlock incidents or Bakewell Police Station about the cemetery thefts on 0845 123 33 33.

n Rising metal costs have helped cut car-dumping in the Dales by 67 per cent over the last four years, according to new statistics.

Council leader Cllr Lewis Rose said: "A few years ago, you'd have had to pay someone to take your old car away but now, scrap metal dealers will pay you up to £1,000 for the pleasure."

A crackdown on dumping and faster clear-ups also contributed to the drop.