Cricket-pitch roller hijacked by metal thieves

High scrap-metal prices have accounted for increasing thefts of roofing lead and manhole covers, and rural areas are especially vulnerable. A bizarre incident near Melton Mowbray proves the point.

A 7ft wide, 2ft high steel roller has been stolen from Croxton Kerrial Cricket Club's ground near Melton. It's believed thieves used a crane on the back of a lorry to steal the roller which is usually towed behind a tractor to roll the cricket pitch outfield at the village's sports and social club

This kind of operation requires time and seclusion to accomplish, as do thefts of lead from church roofs and heavy manhole covers. So it's no surprise to see rural areas targeted by metal thieves.

For the rest of this story from the Melton Times click here