THE SOARING price of lead had led to a swathe of thefts from buildings across Morley.
Police have now warned Morleians to keep their eyes peeled for thieves stealing lead from public buildings, private homes and businesses.
Jane Dwan, the director of the Kaleidoscope Nursery said their nursery on Albert Road has had lead stolen thr
ee times in a fortnight.
She said: "Anyone with old buildings should watch out because they will go on to the mills and churches, this had caused us a lot of problems and it is going to cause a lot for other people as well.
"It is disgusting that they think they can get away with it. We are trying to do a good job for people's children and it is disrupting our service."
The theft, coming as it has in the wettest summer the country has seen for years, has caused a lot of problems with leaks putting their conservatory out of action.
They have contacted the police and have passed on recordings from their CCTV cameras.
A number of thefts from buildings in and around Morley have been reported to police over the last few weeks.
What first started out as thefts from churches and schools has now spread to domestic buildings.
Those reported have included homes and windows on Haden Close and Finchley Way in Morley and a number of garages on King Street, Drighlington.
Lack of supply and a rise in demand from China has sent both copper and lead prices soaring.
Lead prices on the London Metal Exchange have almost doubled this year while the copper shortage has caused problems on the national rail network as thieves have stolen wires.
One arrest has already been made in relation to the thefts and police are now urging residents to report any suspicious activity to them on 2382035.
leanneclarke@morleytoday.co.uk
The full article contains 314 words and appears in Morley Advertiser newspaper.
