A LARGE quantity of copper has been stolen from a Bromsgrove GP surgery for the second time in a week.

The latest theft involved £30,000 worth of copper sheeting from the New Road doctors’ surgery.

The incident happened between 8pm on Monday, March 7 and 8am the following day and followed the theft of £20,000 worth of copper sheeting between Monday, February 28 and Thursday, March 3.

In the latest theft it is believed people approached the two storey building from a playing field at the rear.

It is thought they carried out the theft and then left the scene in a vehicle.

House to house inquiries have been carried out.

PC Steve Allen of West Mercia Police said: “We are looking into whether these two thefts were committed by the same people, but either way it was audacious, not to mention dangerous. Thieves are clearly risking their lives by climbing up ladders and on to roofs in the dark.”

Police are reiterating appeals to residents living near premises such as doctors’ surgeries, schools, shops, and churches, to be vigilant and to alert police if they see people on roofs or carrying ladders during weekends or evenings, and to make a note of the registration numbers of any vehicles they are using.

Crime prevention advice includes storing ladders securely, keeping gates locked and restricting vehicle access after hours, and removing wheelie bins and wheelbarrows, which thieves may use to transport metal.

Police also recommend installing security lighting and cutting back trees and bushes which screen buildings from the road.

Other options include applying anti-climb paint to drainpipes and guttering, and marking copper, metal and other roofing materials with forensic solutions.

Witnesses or anyone with information about either incident are asked to contact PC Allen at West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.