Lead is nicked at ASDA’s site

Jan 24 2013 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

Metal thieves have stolen lead at a new ASDA supermarket in Larkhall... six weeks before it is due to open.

Crooks made off with £2000 worth of copper cabling from the store which is being built in the town’s Broomhill Road.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident that occurred during the early hours of Monday morning.

The new supermarket and petrol station, which is being built behind Larkhall Leisure Centre, is set to open on March 4.

The incident comes after the Advertiser reported last week how police were warning the public to be vigilant following a spate of lead thefts across the Larkhall area.

The appeal came after thousands of pounds worth of copper cabling were nicked from the sewage pumping station in the town.

Thieves used cutting equipment to make off with the copper cable for the second time in recent weeks.

In a separate incident, a small quantity of lead was stolen from the roof of Alan’s Bar in the town’s McNeil Street.

Over the past few years, the Advertiser have reported how thieves have stripped lead from schools, churches, businesses and households across the town.

Appealing for witnesses to come forward, Stuart Mitchell, area support officer at Hamilton Police, said: “Metal theft continues to be an issue - particularly in Larkhall - due to the high quantity of older premises that have lead flashing.

“There have been numerous types of these thefts through the town in recent weeks,” he added.

“Police are working hard to identify those responsible, but we would ask householders to be vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or persons in their area to police.”

Lynsey Ross, ASDA’s acting property communications manager, said that security had been stepped up at the site following the incident.

“We take theft extremely seriously and will be monitoring the area carefully,”she added.

Anyone who can help police inquiries should contact the police by telephoning them on 202300.