Police: Pubs a prime target for scrap metal thieves
A landlord showing a potential tenant round a Lincolnshire pub was shocked to discover thieves ripping out copper piping.
The incident highlights the great appeal of pubs to scrap metal thieves reported in the MA this week.
Mark Blakey, from property developer Bailfarm, was showing John Blenkiron around the Angels Bar in Lincoln when they came across the two thieves.
They chased the pair, described as being in their thirties, but they escaped through a fire exit.
The police believe that the thieves had already removed thousands of pounds worth of scrap metal.
Mark Blakey told the Lincolnshire Echo: "They were ripping up the floor boards when we came in.
"They obviously knew what they were doing as they'd turned off the mains electricity supply before ripping out the copper water pipes.
"I can't believes how much damage has been done."
He said that gas mains had been ripped out and that the whole upstairs of the pub had been flooded.
The damage has been estimated at more than £100,000.
A police spokesman said: "Landlords need to do more to protect their property.
"The increasing value of scrap metal, particularly copper and aluminium, means that pubs are increasingly a target for thieves."
Lincolnshire Police have launched an appeal for witnesses and said it was surprised no-one had noticed anything going on at the pub, which is located on a busy dual carriageway. The site was protected by metal fencing and an alarm system.
