New surge in thefts of lead

6:00pm Friday 2nd May 2008

YOUNGSTERS on bicycles are believed to be behind a fresh surge in the number of lead thefts.

Police believe a recent rise in the price of metal has been the catalyst for the number of thefts in Darlington, which was a common problem six months ago.

Officers in Darlington said there was a spate of thefts last year from churches and commercial buildings when the price of lead rose.

Because the value dropped off again, the number of thefts decreased.

But they have reported a new increased of thefts, this time from cladding around gutters and bay windows of homes in the town.

The problem resurfaced two weeks ago, but on Thursday night, there were at least three incidents across Darlington.

They occurred in Wesley Court, a housing development in Snipe Lane, and at Rockwell House, in the Haughton area of the town.

At the first theft, two youths were seen riding off on bicycles.

Insp Caroline Dawson, from Darlington police, said: "As in many areas, metal thieves are becoming more and more active because of the rising price of scrap.

"There will be many people who may have disturbed such thieves or spotted their activities and have not reported them.

"Any information, no matter how small, helps us to build a picture of their activities."

Police will work with council wardens to target vehicles transporting scrap. Three youths were arrested when they turned up at a scrapyard in a taxi.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: "Our wardens are working with police who stop vehicles that are carrying industrial waste, including lead.

"If the drivers cannot produce an industrial waste licence within seven days they can be given an on-the-spot fine of £300 and prosecuted for operating without a licence."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0800-555-111 or Crimestoppers on 0845-60-60-365.

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