Big bill for charity as metal thieves strike

A charity has been left with a bill of thousands of pounds for repairs after metal thieves ransacked its Staffordshire base and left it flooded.

The raiders struck at the Four Seasons Nature Centre in Kings Bromley Lane, Handsacre, near Rugeley, ripping out copper piping from its central heating system.

By the time the raid was discovered the following morning the building was awash with water. The centre is run by Combined Handicapped and Disabled Society, also known as Chads.

Staff member Angela Silverwood said the clear-up was still going on.

The burglars stole a copper water tank and pipes. They also damaged the roof by taking lead flashing.

Witnesses should ring Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455, quoting incident number 299 of 27 August, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.