Information on Leicestershire

Police in Leicester are offering crime prevention advice to residents and businesses following an increase in thefts of lead from roofs and windows in the city.

The city, county and country as a whole has seen an increase in thefts of lead over the past 12 months. A total of 130 incidents in which lead was stolen were reported to Leicestershire Constabulary from January 1 to April 30 this year. That compares to just 11 for the same period last year. Of the 130 incidents, 82 occurred in the City Area of the Force.

Properties targeted are mainly businesses or buildings such as churches. However last week several homes in the Lancashire Street area of Belgrave were targeted by thieves, who stripped lead from bay windows.

PC Alan Cook, crime reduction officer for the City, said: "The theft of lead from buildings in our communities has a two fold cost - not just the replacement of the lead but the damage that can be caused to the building.

"We would appeal to all businesses or homeowners who may be affected by this type of crime to ensure they have adequate security measures in place. It is also vital that the business community and members of the public remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious activity or vehicles to police without delay.

"Prevention measures for thefts of lead are site specific but there are some options that should be considered.

"As most of the lead is stolen from roofs of premises, measures should be put in place to prevent climbing. These could include the use of anti-climb paint and rotating spikes for example. All ladders and other climbing aids, such as pallets, should be kept in a secure area. Businesses may also want to consider installing CCTV as a deterrent.

"Leaded areas could also be marked with Smartwater and advertised as such. By stealing lead protected by Smartwater, thieves can easily get Smartwater on their hands and clothes which will then show up when an ultra violet light is shone on them. This could also help to identify the stolen lead during checks at scrap metal merchants."

To speak to your local crime reduction officer or if you have any information about thefts of lead please call Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, which is free* and confidential, on 0800 555 111. If you see a crime in progress dial 999.

* Please note some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.

Issued on 22/05/08 at 09:54

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