Thieves cause £250,000 of damage in copper raid at war veteran cemetery
Copper thieves have caused £250,000 worth of damage at a military cemetery built to honour soldiers killed in the two world wars.
The thieves made off with a large amount of copper from a Grade-II listed building at Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery on Camp Road.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), who runs the cemetery, have now stepped up security while they continue to work with police.
Staff reported that all of the copper had been taken from the roof of a building which forms the centre of the war memorial.
James King, CWGC area director, said: "We were shocked and saddened to hear of the theft at the cemetery.
"The damage caused by the perpetrators was extensive but it did not result in the cemetery being closed.
"We are now working on short term remedial work before a longer-term solution is found.
"We will be further increasing security at the cemetery and will continue to work with the police on their investigation."
It is believed the theft took place sometime between 11pm on March 13 and the morning of March 14, by a gang of crooks wearing all-black clothing, masks and gloves.
They left the scene in a white Transit-style van which was parked nearby.
Officers are scouring CCTV footage of the area at the time of the theft and are urging anyone who may have any information to get in touch.
Pc William O’Boyle, from Staffordshire Police, said: "This is a despicable theft and damage to a property from a cemetery site built to honour the lives lost in both world wars.
"The removal of the copper has caused extensive damage to the listed building and will cost a considerable amount of money and time to repair.
"I would urge anyone, particularly scrap metal dealers in the wider area, along with anyone in the Cannock Chase area on Sunday night, to get in touch with us if they have encountered any suspicious behaviour or materials.
"If you saw a white van in the Cannock Chase area that night please contact us."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 133 of 14 March.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
