Police are issuing a warning to householders after a recent increase in lead being stolen from homes.
Since 1 July 2009 there have been 127 more offences across Wigan borough compared to the same period in 2008-09, an increase of 71 per cent.
Offenders have been operating at night removing lead flashings from porch roofs and above bay windows.
Lisa Mogan, Crime Reduction Advisor for Greater Manchester Police’s Wigan Division said: “The price of lead has been steadily increasing which explains why we’ve seen an increase in this type of offence.
“If you have been a victim consider using lead-free alternatives, as these have no value as scrap. Further information on these products can be obtained from your local roofing/builders merchant.”
Police are also giving the following crime prevention tips…
- install external security lighting
- ensure you have good quality closed shackle padlocks on your gates
- increase the height of fences by using decorative trellis
- use prickly/thorny shrubs/bushes to deter intruders
- ensure there are no items left out that can be used to gain access to roofs
- ladders must be chained and locked up and wheelie bins should be kept out of easy reach and preferably also chained up away from the property
- improve visibility by cutting back trees and hedges
- consider using anti-climb paint (Anti-climb paint should only be used in places over two metres from the ground and warning signs must be displayed) on areas where lead is present – this is greasy and does not dry, so will get on offenders’ clothing and hands
Any suspicious activity should be reported to police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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