Heavy metal theft rocks music group

The founder of a Blackpool charity has hit out at would-be thieves who caused damage to its building.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Mar 2018, 17:49 BST
Updated 9th Mar 2018, 18:50 BST
John Shaw, of Blackpool Music School, points to the damage left after a lead theft attemptJohn Shaw, of Blackpool Music School, points to the damage left after a lead theft attempt
John Shaw, of Blackpool Music School, points to the damage left after a lead theft attempt

Lead thieves struck on Monday night, attempting to strip the metal from a ground floor bay window at the Blackpool Music Academy, based on Waterloo Road.

Although they did not manage to remove the lead, charity boss John Shaw says the attack has left the top of the window badly damaged.

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The police were called at around 5pm on Tuesday and confirmed they are now investigating the case.

Lead theft has been an on-going issue on the Fylde coast for years and is a costly problem for businesses.

Mr Shaw said: “It came to light on Tuesday when I noticed something hanging down above the window.

“They didn’t get the lead but they have caused a real mess .

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“I don’t know what sort of person would target a charity like ours that tries to help the community.

“There are some CCTV cameras in the vicinity so that may come up with something and hopefully catch the culprits.”

The music academy was set up in 2006 with the aim of making it affordable for youngsters to learn to play an instrument.

One current project is a wellbeing course for the over 55s aimed at helping people to learn an instrument and enjoy group chats.

Mr Shaw said he had been approached by a local firm which was offering to repair the damage for free.

Related topics:BlackpoolFylde