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This pictures shows just how close the business is to the police station
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Thieves target business opposite police station
Alex Scapens5/ 3/2008
OWNERS of a Reddish family business are fuming after thieves stole lead from their roof three times in a week - while oblivious officers sat in a police station directly opposite.
Stephen Barber, from S Taylor and Sons glazing firm, on Gorton Road, crossed the street on Wednesday morning (February 27) to report the crime and ask police to keep watch over the premises that night - fearing the culprits may return.
And the next morning he was incredulous to find the same thing had happened with more heavy lead missing and other parts loosened in preparation for further theft. The third theft was over the weekend and discovered on Monday.
Although the front desk at Reddish Police Station closes at 5pm, officers from the response team and the North Area Policing Unit man the building 24-hours a day.
Stephen, 28, said: "I can’t believe no one saw it, our place is right on the main road and opposite a police station. If you’re not safe there, where are you?
"It’s not like stealing lead from a roof is a quick job. They must have been up there some time. We went to the police and reported it. They said they would keep an eye out the next night.
"They say crime doesn’t pay but it obviously does. What does it say that crooks are prepared to steal from a building fully knowing there is a police station opposite."
Inspector Norman Lawrence, from the North Area Policing Unit, confirmed officers are at the station 24 hours a day but they are located at the back.
He added that inquiries are being made into the thefts with forensics examining items found at the site. Police patrols are now keeping watch over the building.
It has been estimated the lead will cost £11,000 to replace. It is used to prevent water coming through the roof.
Following the third theft, which was some time between Saturday evening and Monday morning, a camera has been erected to try and catch the culprits should they try again.
The business is owned by Stephen’s dad - also Stephen Barber - and mum Margaret. It has been in the family 40 years but was founded at the beginning of the last century, so is among the oldest in Reddish.
Margaret added: "The thefts are so blatant and cheeky. I’m sympathetic with the police most of the time but not on this occasion."
A police spokesman confirmed officers were investigating reports of theft and criminal damage at the business.
Most recent 2 of 5 user comments
Or is it?
Reddish Police Station is only a base after 5.00 o'clock. Where was the lead stolen from on the roof opposite? What is the street lighting like? Do the windows of the Police station directly face onto the road? Is it not a single storey building?
Aren't most of the Police at Reddish largely out and about and shifts finish at 10.00 or 11.00 pm?
Perhaps the previous postings need to look at this rather than airing their prejudices. Some of which is incorrect anyway e.g. Mr taylor's business does not pay Council Tax - it pays a nationally set Business Rate that Stockport collects.
Embarrassing yes, but let's have some facts.
6/03/2008 at 15:22
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