SPIRALLING lead prices have sparked an upsurge in thefts across the region.

Prices of the metal have more than doubled in a year, a trend which police believe has triggered a new wave of crimes carried out by opportunist thieves.

Police in Darlington are appealing for residents to remain vigilant and to protect themselves and neighbours.

From January 1 to February 26, there have been 39 reported incidents of lead theft in the town. Of those, 15 have been in the Eastbourne area, while North Road has also seen a high concentration.

“We need the help of the public,” said Community Inspector Steve Steen, of Darlington police. “The worst thing about it is, in the majority of cases, these thefts are from bungalows, from front bay windows.

“It is often the elderly who are being targeted, and they don’t notice the lead is gone until the weather turns, by which time the damage is done.

“If anyone sees anyone looking strangely at their home, or actually doing work where they aren’t supposed to be, or in hours of darkness, then give us a call.”

Officers are working closely with scrap dealers. Every sale of scrap must be registered with the dealer, but Insp Steen said it would be impossible for them to verify the identity of every customer.

In one case, shortly after Christmas, Relate North- East, which offers counselling for couples with relationship problems, had to close its office in West Crescent, Darlington, after thieves stole lead from its roof. Computers and files were damaged by rainwater.

But Insp Steen said the problem was not specific to Darlington.

Neighbouring forces in North Yorkshire and Cleveland had also noted problems, and residents throughout the region should be on guard.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said theft of copper cabling was more of a problem in their area, but said lead was also a concern.

She added: “The public can act as the eyes and ears of the police and supply valuable information which can help prevent and detect these crimes.”

Martin Carrick, who runs Eastbourne Roofing, in Darlington, said: “I’ve seen groups of kids biking up Hundends Lane with piles of lead on their handlebars. It’s easy to take from these low canopy bungalows in Eastbourne.

The problem is when it’s thrown from a roof it doesn’t make a sound.”

Not only is lead expensive to replace, its removal can also leave buildings exposed to the weather, and cause even more expense.

Mr Carrick said he now recommends fitting a man made alternative, Ubbink, which has all the properties of lead but has no resale value.