Cracks In Brickwork

[PSE]

Hi

On the corner of the drive elevation on my property, there are approximately 6+ bricks that have vertical cracks in them on both sides of the corner.  I was advised that they were firing cracks but since that, I found the stormwater downpipe from my roof wasn't connected to the drain (that's been like that for approximately 3 years) I'm a little bit more worried that it may be the start of something a little bit more serious?? 

Any help or advice will be gratefully received.

Thank you.

[New Home Expert]

Vertical cracks through bricks are a sign of possible structural problems either subsidence and heave.
It could be that your home has been built on made up ground such as a landfill site.
It might also be due to proximity to trees or where a large tree was before your home was built.

One thing it is not, is "firing cracks"! 
What are the chances that several bricks, all on top of each other would all have the same crack that lined up?

A leaking rain water pipe could have caused the ground to wash away also.