Beware Of Lead And Copper Thefts

Police in Downpatrick are advising owners of property and the public in general to be vigilant and report suspicious activity following an increase in lead and copper thefts recently.

In one incident staff at Delamont Country Park in Killyleagh contacted police on the morning of Thursday June 9th 2011 and reported that lead from the roof of the toilet block had been removed.

A vehicle of some sort would have been used to transport the lead, and police are asking anyone who was at or near the park in the days before the theft and saw any activity or vehicles around the toilet block to contact them.

Vacant properties or buildings that are not used at night are especially vulnerable. Lead from roofs and chimneys and copper either in the form of copper piping or boilers from commercial or domestic properties have also been taken.

Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000. Or if someone would prefer to pass information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.