Thieves have sawn off and stolen copper gas pipes from the outside of three neighbouring Shropshire flats in the space of seven days – leaving residents inside with no heating or hot water.

Police say the pipes have been stolen from Seven Hills Place in Ketley, Telford, because of their sell-on value. Wrekin Housing Trust, which owns the homes, say it is not the first time it has happened.

The trust now plans to install iron piping because it is less valuable than copper.

But residents in the flats have been told it could take up to three weeks.

Sydney Preece, 50, whose supply was cut off after the latest theft on Sunday, said it was not the first time the pipes had been cut down and stolen.

“Its fairly common,” he said. “Its happened quite a few times before and I think its happened at Reynolds House nearby as well. I think its been stolen to be sold for the metal.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said Wrekin Housing Trust had told him it could take up to three weeks to replace the pipes.

He said: “In the meantime I can’t cook, I can’t have a bath, and I haven’t got any heating. I can have a shower but when you get out it’s absolutely freezing.

“We have been offered heaters by Wrekin Housing but they are so tiny they are no good for anything.”

Telford police spokesman Chris Ammonds said officers had received reports of two thefts last month. He said: “We would urge anyone with information, or any scrap metal dealers who are offered these pipes, to get in touch with us straightaway.”

Fleur Whittingham, of Wrekin Housing Trust, said: “Rather than simply replacing the piping, which may be stolen again due to its value, we are working with our gas contractor to replace the pipes with an iron substitute. They will be going to the properties to quote for the work, and then we will be in a position to authorise the work to go ahead.”