Metal theft at Kidderminster school causes £20k damage

They broke into the site by cutting a padlock on the gate before climbing 40ft onto the roof of Hill Grove House at King Charles I School.

The raiders ripped lead flashing from the roof and lead out of the brickwork on a lower level.

The cost of the metal and damage caused to the building is estimated to be around £20,000.

Police said today the thieves had taken a "considerable risk" by scaling the three-storey building in the dark.

The raid is the latest in a string of thefts at the King Charles I School during the past year.

Pc Phil Green of West Mercia Police said: "There were two similar lead thefts at the school in December, although comparatively low value.

"This time the lead stolen, and the damage to the brickwork, totals around £20,000.

"As well as the cost, we are concerned that offenders are putting their lives at considerable risk by climbing on to the roof of a three-storey building in the dark, and if they fell, it could be many hours before they are discovered.

"We are urging the local community to keep an eye on the school, and report anything suspicious, such as people or torchlights on the roof, or vehicles seen entering or leaving the grounds late at night."

The raid is believed to have taken place at the school, in Comberton Road, between 2am and 2.30am on Wednesday.

It is estimated that around 980ft of lead flashing was taken.

Police say the thieves are thought to have been using a family-sized saloon car but are likely to have needed a flatbed truck to have transported the lead.

Police have have now increased patrols in the area. Pc Green said officers were continuing to work closely with registered scrap dealers who record the names and addresses of those selling to them, the quantity and type of material, and the details of any vehicle they are using.

Pc Green urged anyone who has to replace metal to look into using a coloured or a metal alternative, both of which will be worthless to thieves.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the school theft are asked to call Pc Green on 101 quoting incident 13-N-260613.