Derry hospital theft 'despicable': Jackson

The theft of £18,000 worth of lead from the Gransha Hospital site in Derry has been condemned as “despicable,” by Waterside Sinn Fein Cllr Christopher Jackson.

Police have revealed the lead was taken from the site on the outskirts of the city during two incidents last week.

Calling on anyone with information about the theft to pass it on to police, Cllr Jackson said he believed the gang responsible had also targeted local schools.

Cllr Jackson (pictured) said “In the last few years we have seen a rise in the number of lead thefts from homes and businesses across the city .

“We have seen schools in particular being targeted by these gangs with the repair bills running into tens of thousands of pounds.

“Obviously whoever is behind these thefts see our schools as easy targets. It’s very hard to keep a 24 hour watch on school buildings.”

Cllr Jackson concluded: “As we head into the summer holidays I would urge people living close to schools, that if they see anyone acting suspiciously to contact the police.”A