Spate of lead thefts in Newport and Lilleshall

Police said the thieves struck in Newport some time between 10pm on Tuesday and 8am yesterday.

Homes in Granville Avenue, Audley Avenue and buildings in the town centre were targeted.

Residents of a home in Limekiln Lane, Lilleshall, also heard banging noises on Tuesday night but did not go out to investigate. They woke yesterday morning to find they had also been targeted.

Constable Lee Thomas of West Mercia Police's safer neighbourhood team for Newport said: "We have had a number of calls from residents reporting that they have had lead stolen overnight.

"We know of five properties in Newport itself and one in Lilleshall that have been attacked but would ask residents to check their homes just in case they haven't noticed they have become a victim themselves.

"We would appeal to anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in the Granville Avenue and Audley Avenue areas of Newport or Limekiln Lane in Lilleshall to contact police with any information they might have.

"Whoever is responsible will definitely have needed a vehicle to carry the stolen lead away.

"They may also have had a step ladder or similar to enable them to climb onto the low roofs in the first place," he added.

Anyone with information is asked to call police officers on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.