A man has been arrested and charged with theft after police found him trying to steal lead from shop rooves. 

The 31-year-old was taken into custody by officers from Cleveland Police in the early hours yesterday (Tuesday, February 20) after they were called to reports of lead being stolen from the roof of a commercial property. 

A spokesperson from the force said: "A 31-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday, February 20) after police responded to a report at 5.20 am of theft of lead from the roof of a commercial premises in Redcar town centre.

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"Officers immediately searched the High Street area, stopping a man nearby just moments later.

"He was arrested and questioned regarding a number of previous alleged thefts from shops.

"The man charged with ten counts of theft from a shop and is due to attend court today, Wednesday, February 21."