Two schools in as many weeks have been targeted by lead thieves in crimes that have been dubbed shameful and destructive. <\/p>\n
Large amounts of lead flashing was stripped off the roof at Penybont Primary in Bridgend. <\/p>\n
But it is understood thieves were disturbed by the caretaker and dropped it before fleeing. <\/p>\n
Less than a week earlier, the towns Oldcastle Primary School, which is just a few streets away, reported 200 of lead had been stolen from its roof, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. <\/p>\n
Town and county councillor Nicole Burnett, who is also the chairwoman of the Friends of Penybont, branded Saturdays incident an appalling crime and act of vandalism. <\/p>\n
She said the money to pay the excess on the insurance claim would have to come out of school funds, meaning less money to be spent on the education of our children! <\/p>\n
The lead was taken from a part of the roof which cannot be seen from ground level and if this crime had gone unnoticed, then the next time it rained the school would have suffered extreme water damage, which could have meant the closure of the school. This is not a victimless crime, she added. <\/p>\n
Councillor Charles Smith, Bridgend council cabinet member for education and regeneration, said: This type of shameful, destructive crime can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to a school and its resources, and leaves scores of children at a disadvantage. <\/p>\n
A police investigation is underway and we would urge anyone who notices suspicious behaviour taking place on school premises to report it immediately. <\/p>\n
A police spokeswoman said officers were called to Penybont Primary shortly before 2.15am on Saturday, and while there was little sign of a break-in, a large quantity of lead flashing was discovered abandoned in the school yard. <\/p>\n
Inquiries are continuing to identify those involved, and anyone with any information that could help the investigation is urged to contact 101, quoting reference 1700264313. <\/p>\n
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'Shameful' lead thieves target schools causing thousands of pounds worth of damage - WalesOnline<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Two schools in as many weeks have been targeted by lead thieves in crimes that have been dubbed shameful and destructive. Large amounts of lead flashing was stripped off the roof at Penybont Primary in Bridgend. Continue reading