SCHOOLS in Bromsgrove have been targeted by callous thieves in a spate of metal thefts causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Scrap metal raiders, cashing in on soaring prices, stole lead from roofs of first schools at Finstall, Millfields, Catshill and Sidemoor and Chadsgrove over a two-week period. This despite a high profile police campaign, ‘Project Livewire’ launched last year.

Millfields was one of the worst hit, with lead taken over two weekends. Last weekend (September 13-14) thieves stripped lead around the edge of the roof of a recently built classroom, following a similar theft the previous week.

Headteacher at the school in Swift Close, Alison Dowling, said an estimate for the original damage was £1,800, but the cost of the recent incident would be far higher.

She said they are now looking at replacing it with plastic as, if they don’t, they would be “asking for trouble.” Speaking yesterday, she expressed fears rain would enter the classroom, as the metal acted as a waterproof barrier.

This has happened at Catshill First School in Gibb Lane, where a large quantity of lead was stolen from the roof overnight on September 3, allowing rain to drive in and flood part of the school.

A three-week clean-up operation is underway following the incident which caused £5,000 damage to a corridor, a carpet and furniture.

Headteacher, Melanie Henderson said there are worries it could happen again, and discussions at the next meeting of governors will consider possible theft-deterrents.

Overnight last Sunday thieves targeted Chadsgrove School for physically handicapped children in Catshill, causing £1,000 worth of damage and the new Sidemoor First School in Perryfields Road was also hit, with lead taken from its outdoor shelter on September 3, Commenting on the theft of lead from their roof, headteacher of Finstall First School, in Carnforth Road, Stuart Evans, said: “Obviously, we are very disappointed that there are people in the world willing to steal from children.

“The money the school has had to spend on replacing the lead could have been better spent on the children’s education.”

PC Stan Baker, for Bromsgrove police said: “We are appealing for people living near schools and churches to be vigilant and if they see anything suspicious, such as people on the roof, to contact police.”

Anyone with information about the lead thefts should contact police on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.