UNSCRUPULOUS thieves who con unsuspecting council tenants into letting them strip lead from their roofs are preying on areas of Leeds, it has been revealed.
Often those being targeted are the elderly and vulnerable who are being tricked by the bogus workers into believing they are carrying out genuine repairs – but are in fact are simply stealing lead from roofs.
People living in Moortown and north ea
st Leeds have been targeted by crooks pretending to be from East North East Homes Leeds, which manages council homes in the area.
They have convinced some tenants they are carrying out legitimate repair work, before stealing lead from roofs.
Councillor Les Carter, Leeds Council's executive board member for housing, said: "The activities of these thieves are disgraceful, and we are doing everything we can to stop them.
"Targeting residents, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable, is despicable and such thefts cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds."
The latest thefts come just months after another council homes manager, West North West Homes Leeds, issued a warning to residents in Weetwood of a similar scam, and council officials say such incidents appear to be on the increase.
In the latest incidents, the culprits have been seen in Meanwood driving around in a white van, they have also been spotted in a silver Peugeot or Rover.
It has been reported the phoney workmen have ID badges and make convincing calls "back to the office" if residents say they don't want the lead removing.
There are fears that the thieves might be targeting older and vulnerable people and, while they are apparently stealing lead flashings, it is feared it could escalate into them accessing people's homes.
Tenants are warned that if any work is due to be carried out by contractors from the management companies, they will receive an advance warning by letter.
They will also be given a specific day when the work will be carried out and which contractor will be doing it.
Tenants are also advised that before allowing anyone to carry out any work on their property they should always ask to see and check their photo identification badge.
Residents who are approached by these individuals are urged to call East North East Homes Leeds on 0800 5316555.
Coun Carter warned residents to be on their guard against the thieves saying: "If they come knocking on your door and you've not had a letter saying workmen will turn up with a specific time and date for repairs, then you need to call the Freephone number and check before you let them in."
Council tenants are not the only ones to be targeted by lead thieves. Churches in the region have also suffered at the hands of lead thieves with several being left facing huge bills after thieves raided their roofs for lead, slate and copper.
The crimes are often upsetting for local congregations who have spent time and effort fundraising for their churches.
The stolen materials are becoming increasingly scarce and can fetch huge prices on the open and black markets both at home and abroad.
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