Police are investigating and urging owners of remote buildings to be vigilant after a number of lead thefts were reported in South Cumbria.

Since beginning of September 2010, St Mary’s Church in Dalton, Dowdales School in Dalton, Urofoam in Askam, St Mary’s Church in Walney, Low Furness Primary School in Urswick, Ulverston Victoria high school and the Post Office on Salthouse Road, Barrow, along with a number of homes around the area of Salthouse road Railway Bridge have been targeted and had lead stolen from their roofs.

Detective Sergeant Helen Ellis from Barrow CID said: “Predominantly, these thefts have been committed overnight and due to the nature of the offence, criminals are likely to spend considerable amounts of time in the vicinity due to the location and weight of the lead.

“Lead flashing is heavy and bulky and isn’t easily removed, and will be difficult to carry or hide. It takes time to remove lead from a roof and transport to a vehicle so it is likely that someone could witness a crime in action but assume the thieves are workers.

“Offenders that strip the roofs of lead flashing often cause considerable damage to roofing tiles in the process.

“Any premises with scaffolding, with easy access to a roof, or are undergoing repairs can be particularly vulnerable. To help avoid falling victim to lead theft I’d urge people to remove ladders, wheelbarrows or tools surrounding buildings and keep them secure overnight. Don’t leave anything that can attract thieves or make their job any easier.

“We have launched an investigation but need members of the community to be vigilant and report any people or suspicious vehicles to us immediately on 0845 33 00 247. Information can be passed to police anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

As part of their enquiries, two men from South Cumbria have been charged in connection with lead theft from Ulverston Victoria high school in Ulverston. This occurred sometime overnight between Thursday 28 October and Friday 29 October.

25 year old Richard David Kennedy from James Street, Barrow in Furness and Daryl Craig Langhorn, 26, of Cleator Street in Dalton in Furness have been charged with theft and are set to appear in Furness Magistrates Court on 11 November 2010.