Lead thieves cause havoc

Mar 11 2010 by Bryan Brough, Paisley Daily Express

RECKLESS thieves who are ripping lead flashing from the roofs of churches and businesses and flogging it on the black market were being hunted by police yesterday.

The damage left by the gang thought to be their second spate of thieving in months was so severe rainwater has seeped in and ruined wooden supports in some properties.

Among the targeted buildings were two churches one in a busy town centre the other in a neighbouring community.

The lead stripping has happened at night and in many of the cases several men with a white transit van have been spotted.

They used ladders to get to the lead which is sold for a fraction of its value on the black market. In one case copper piping was nicked too.

Cops are urging business people and residents to be on the alert and report anyone acting suspiciously.

Targeted over a couple of days was St Margarets Church in Johnstone, and St John Bosco Church in Erskine.

Hit too were three businesses in Inchinnan and another in Johnstone.

One businessman said: All these thieves want is a fast buck

The damage they leave is extensive and the cost of repairs run into hundreds of pounds. Its disgraceful.

Police think these latest incidents are by the same gang who struck in Johnstone a few months ago.

Hit then were premises in Walkinshaw Street, Graham Street, William Street and Quarry Street, where the town centre police station is based.

Also targeted then was the towns High Parish Church which had a repair bill of about £2,500.

The overall cost of the damage in the most recent series of thefts is still being assessed.

A police spokesman said: During a couple of the Inchinnan cases at least two men were seen.

They had a white transit-type van with them.

He added: We ask residents and business owners in Renfrewshire to be vigilant following a number of reports of theft of lead from rooftops.

Anyone with information should contact the Johnstone Police Station on 01505 404000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.