Thieves have stripped lead from a string
of business premises in Bourne this week, causing thousands
of pounds' damage.
Crown Walk and The Angel Precinct were targeted with buildings from Winkworth
Estate Agents to the Hereward Gallery damaged overnight between Monday and Tuesday.
Police began investigating the attacks this week but have come under fire from
florist Stephanie Romaine, whose shop was damaged two weeks earlier by lead thieves.
On that occasion she claims nobody from Lincolnshire Police even visited her
shop.
Mrs Romaine said: “Nobody came. I was waiting for police to turn up but
all I got was a letter.
“I was really disappointed. I felt neglected.”
In the letter from Lincolnshire Police, Mrs Romaine was told that “there
appear to be no further lines of inquiry available to police.”
Mrs Romaine said: “Nobody came out but there were good footprints. They
are taking fingerprints now that everyone else has been hit but it might not
have happened if they had come earlier.”
But not all traders have been disappointed by the police response.
Jane Neale, of the Hereward Gallery, said: “They have been very good. They
have taken fingerprints and taken our security video.”
Mrs Neale said the shop had spent “thousands” on security and nearby
traders are now looking at the cost of beefing up their protection.
Mandy Wright, of Wright’s Lights, said her shop would be adding CCTV.
She knew that Stephanie’s Florists had been hit previously and said: “They
obviously came back to finsh the job. They must have had a trailer or something – but
can the police do anything?”
Carol Schofield at the Bean Bag coffee shop said: “They have tried to take
lead from here but not succeeded.
“We are taking measures to protect it in future.”
But Mrs Romaine believes a stronger police presence is needed.
She said: “Eight or nine businesses have been hit. We need more police
officers in Bourne, not just Police Community Support Officers.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed that nine premises reported damage to police.
The spokesman said: “Due to the rising price of precious metals worldwide,
there has been an increase in thefts of metals.
“This problem is a national concern.
“However, it is the first time that this number of premises has been targeted
in Bourne.
“Offenders have to climb and take time to remove the lead. Lead is very
heavy and thieves have to use vehicles to transport it.
“They have to park that vehicle somewhere nearby while committing the crime
and it is crucial that any information is passed to police immediately.”
Thieves try to sell the stolen metal to scrapyards and officers have visited
all scrapyards in the area asking them to be vigilant.
n Witnesses should call Lincolnshire Police on 01780 752222 quoting incident
number 164 of October 9 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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