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Lead stolen from roof of city church

An Aberdeen church undergoing renovations has become the latest city property to be targeted by thieves seeking valuable roof materials.

Lead worth hundreds of pounds was stolen from the roof of St Mary's Cathedral on Huntly Street by thieves who are believed to have climbed scaffolding outside the clergy house.

The incident, which happened between 2.45pm on Thursday and 10.30am on Friday, is the latest in a growing number of thefts of metal from city properties.

Earlier this month it was revealed that more than 50 raids had been made on Aberdeen properties in less than three months by thieves seeking copper and lead, for which demand has increased internationally in recent years.

Local councillor Bill Cormie, who personally witnessed an alleged daylight theft from the roof of the former Rosemount Parish Church this month, added his weight to police pleas for witnesses.

He said: "At St Mary's there are folk coming and going for most of the day and in the evenings, and it is in a residential area too, so I hope someone has seen something.

"It is very concerning that this sort of thing is happening right under our noses, and that places like churches and voluntary organisations are being targeted. What I would like to know is who is buying this stuff."

Full story at the Aberdeen Press & Journal.