In Manchester, a school in Irlam has fitted a new alarm to their roof to deter metal thieves. Thieves have targeted Irlam Primary School several times and have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. They have been targeting the lead roof due to the rising cost of scrap metal.
Police have stepped up patrols in the area and the school has installed an alarm which will detect an intruder on the roof. A leaflet has also been distributed in the local area and police are urging residents to report suspicious activity.
Fiona James, crime reduction specialist said: “Metal theft is particularly devastating for schools as the damage is not usually noticed until it rains heavily, by which time it is too late.
“Through our work with Operation Alloy we have had great success in reducing metal theft and offenders are warned that we are not giving up the fight.
“I’d urge residents to report suspicious activity so that we can do something about it. Things to look out for include suspicious vehicles at the school late at night, lights being on around the school at unusual hours or any suspicious noises coming from the site.”
Deborah Keelan, school security coordinator for Salford City Council said: “Metal theft has a huge impact on teaching and learning. As well as causing damage to classrooms, equipment and pupil’s work, it often interrupts the delivery of the curriculum while we wait for repairs. After several crimes at Irlam Primary School a specialist alarm system has been installed onto the roof to prevent further attacks. The system is specifically designed to combat metal theft from roofs and has already been successfully used by churches, historic buildings and other schools.
“The alarm system will automatically detect an intruder on the roof, enabling us to put a stop to metal theft and help bring offenders to justice.”
