Thieves steal from Safari Park

Metal thieves have stolen tons of lead flashing worth £9,900 from the West Midland Safari Park as the problem continues to blight the region.

It is another blow to the Bewdley-based tourist attraction following last year's wet weather and the blaze which has left Spring Grove House out of action since 2006.

The lead was destined for the roof of the fire-ravaged mansion in the grounds, which is currently being rebuilt.

But between Sunday evening and early Monday morning, raiders used cutting equipment to burn the doors off the large metal container where the eight tonnes of lead was stored.

Safari park spokeswoman, Wendy Jackson, said the theft was an inconvenience but did not believe it would hold up the construction work.

She added: "We are progressing very well with the house so it is not going to cause any major delays.

"The police are dealing with the theft and we are helping to provide them with as much information as we possibly can."

Pc Kate Sanders, of Bewdley Police, said: "Due to the large amount stolen it is thought that the offenders must have used a large van or lorry to remove the haul."

Scrap lead can now fetch between £800 and £1,000 per ton due to a growing global demand.

This has caused a surge in metal thefts across the Midlands and Project Livewire was launched last summer by West Mercia Constabulary to tackle the growing problem.

More than 50 people have been arrested since the start of the campaign.

Building sites, farms, churches, schools and HGVs have all been targeted by thieves for metal such as copper, aluminium and steel.

Any scrap yard owners offered an unusually large quantity of lead or anyone who saw anything suspicious should call Kidderminster police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.