Thieves use Roman fort's scaffolding to steal lead

Thieves have targeted the roof of Segedunum Roman Fort, in Wallsend

Thieves who stole copper and lead from the roof of a Roman fort museum used its scaffolding to strike again.

The thefts began in June 2023 at Segedunum Roman Fort, in Wallsend, North Tyneside, which marks the start of Hadrian's Wall.

After metal from the roof was first stolen, scaffolding was put up around the Unesco Heritage Site, but the thieves used the structure to access the roof again.

The fort's manager, Geoff Woodward, said the roof will be repaired with material that will be of no interest to thieves.

Mr Woodward said: "We are very frustrated by the ongoing theft of materials from Segedunum’s roof and the damage it is causing to the building.

"We have worked with North Tyneside Council to make emergency repairs whilst awaiting funds from our insurers to permanently resolve this issue."

He added that recent high winds and rain had "exacerbated the problem".

'Incredibly disappointing'

Thefts from the museum roof have been taking place since late June last year, a Segedunum spokesperson said.

In September, the scaffolding was erected to make temporary repairs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But despite additional security being put in place, a spokesperson for the museum said the scaffolding "inevitably provided additional access points" to the roof.

Wallsend councillor Louise Marshall said: "It is incredibly disappointing that this building is being targeted.

“In terms of ongoing damage to Segedunum, I need to take this up further with the police to see what can be done."

Segedunum has received almost one million visitors since it opened on 17 June 2000.

The site is legally protected and became a scheduled ancient monument in 1982.