Police in West Lothian are appealing for information following the theft of lead from the roof of a nursery in Livingston in the early hours of Tuesday.
Around 05.40am on Tuesday morning, three men were observed pushing three shopping trolleys along Ladywell East Road, Livingston.
When officers attended the area, they recovered the three shopping trolleys which contained a quantity of lead believed to be that stolen from the roof of the Livingston Family Centre. The suspects have not yet been traced.
Detective Inspector David Pinkey said: “As a consequence of the theft of lead and vandalism to the roof of the building, heavy rainfall caused significant damage to the interior of the Livingston Family Centre.
“The impact on the community is severe as the nursery will be unable to provide a full service to families over the summer holidays. Inquiries are continuing and we are seeking to trace those involved in this theft.”
Danny Logue, the West Lothian Council’s Executive Councillor for Social Policy said: “The Livingston Family Centre offers invaluable assistance to families in need of support. It is absolutely appalling that anyone would steal from this facility.
“The theft of the lead has resulted in severe damage to the internal building which has affected toys, children’s cots and other items. The impact, therefore, on parents, children and staff is enormous, especially given that this is the centre’s busiest time of the year during the school summer break.
“Our staff are working hard to ensure that alternative provisions are put in place as quickly as possible, but that may take some time.
“We would urge anyone with any information to contact the police.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
