NEARLY £20,000 of damage was caused to a North-East museum after lead was stolen from its roof.

The lead, which police believe was taken to be sold as scrap, was removed from the roof of Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum, which is housed in the Victorian North Road Station and engineering buildings.

Last night, Darlington Borough Council said none of the exhibits had been damaged as a result of the incidents, which they believe took place over a period of time. Estimates put the repair bill at about £19,000.

A council spokeswoman said: “Theft of any kind will not be tolerated by the council and in particular theft which may place in jeopardy our prized railway heritage.

“We have worked with the police on this issue and look forward to a satisfactory conclusion to the matter.”

The investigation into the theft was part of a police crackdown on stolen metal, called Operation Hansel.

Metal theft has become an increasing problem over the past year, as demand from emerging markets in China and India have forced metal prices upwards.

Durham Police worked with neighbouring forces, scrap dealers, councils, the British Transport Police, utility companies and other organisations as part of the operation.

In Darlington, 20 arrests for metal theft have been made since the start of April, with two of those arrested believed to be responsible for 34 offences.

About 25 thefts of metal have been reported to police in Darlington in the past fortnight.

Detective Sergeant Mohammed Perwaze, of Darlington police, said: “This arrest was made as part of Operation Hansel.

“The continuing operation aims to reduce scrap metal thefts across County Durham and Darlington in a multiagency approach.

“As well as this arrest we have already seen many positive results, including scrapyards signing up to codes of practice closely monitored by ourselves and the environment agency.

“Metal theft offences have been on the rise in the force area, but we are continuing to put measures in place to ensure the perpetrators are caught and brought to justice.”

􀁧 A man appeared in court yesterday, charged with theft of some of the lead on May 6.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding metal thefts to call 0345-60-60- 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800- 555-111.