CLACKMANNANSHIRE residents are being urged to help police crack-down on lead thefts – a crime costing the county thousands of pounds.

Between 1 April 2013 and 27 March this year, there have been over 50 recorded instances of lead having been stolen from buildings across the Wee County.

It causes havoc for groups, organisations and businesses and it is estimated the cost of repairing the damage incurred is around £50,000.

Sergeant Kevin Chase, Community Sergeant for Alloa, explained, “The impact on the community for the theft of lead is significant. Recently this has been highlighted at the following community locations. Primary schools – we are aware of the significant disruption this causes to the overall life within the school with disrupted lessons and missed classes as a result of the damage caused to buildings.

“The churches have also had a significant impact. The damage caused at Ludgate Church in particular has hit the finances and the congregation particularly hard as a result of the theft.” Lead theft is a national issue and, with the rise in the cost of metals, it can often be seen as an easy way to make money.

As previously reported in the Advertiser, Police Scotland, Clackmannanshire Community Wardens and Alloa Town Centre BID kick-started a campaign to raise awareness of the problem at the beginning of the year.

Due to the level of lead thefts, Community Officer Constable Adele MacIntyre is leading an initiative to tackle the problem, which includes sending out crime prevention messages.

And local police are asking the community to show their support in tackling this wide-spread problem by keeping their eyes and ears open and looking out for ‘tell-tale signs’.

Sergeant Chase added, “This type of crime has an impact on the whole community, from the children who attend our local schools, to shop owners and those who attend the churches across the communities. We are looking for the community to be aware of any people who appear to be working on a roof.

“Especially at night and without any scaffolding, helmets or fluorescent clothing. If there are people who appear to be working on a roof and it appears suspicious please call 101.” Police are continuing to track down those responsible and recently apprehended an individual in relation to thefts.

A police spokesperson said, “A 19-year-old male from Alloa has been arrested and reported for several thefts of lead from buildings across the whole county.” Tell-tale signs to look out for: - No protective clothing - People on the roof at night - No signs of scaffolding - Lack of hard hats - No vehicles showing the name of a company