Legal Action Threatened Over Lead Thefts

Thieves who have been targeting empty Co Antrim homes belonging to the N I Housing Executive may soon be facing legal action.

Local reports indicate that Poleglass houses have been receiving the unwelcome attention at different periods over the last year.

The roof and chimney watercourses are being destroyed as lead flashings and other installations are being ripped out to be sold as scrap,

But with the Housing Executive now taking a bullish attitude to thieves, the problem might be about to end - even though it is proving lucrative with some thieves said to be raking in more than £100 per day.

Anyone caught with lead stolen from the roofs of houses in Poleglass will from this week face legal action.

An Executive spokesman said: "There have been ongoing instances of the theft of lead from the roofs of Housing Executive properties in the area.

He confirmed that recently, a youth was seen dragging a sack full of stolen lead along a pathway next to some of their properties.

Although he ran off, the teenager was later identified and the Housing Executive has threatened him with legal action if he is caught again.

"On this occasion we have identified the young person involved and we have recovered the stolen lead. We have spoken to the young person's parents and have warned them that if there is a re-occurrence we will take appropriate legal action."

He said: "With the Housing Executive now taking legal action against anyone involved, I am hoping these thefts will be a thing of the past."

(BMcC)