Alert over metal theft rise in North East Lincolnshire

Residents and business owners in North East Lincolnshire are being warned to be on their guard following a spate of thefts of copper piping and cable.

Thieves broke into Immingham Sports Centre on Wednesday and stole copper piping and cables.

Another break-in happened on the same day at a property on Station Road in Healing where thieves stole power tools and copper piping.

Humberside Police said there had been a rise in the number of metal thefts.

A police spokesman said: "We have seen examples which have resulted in gas leaking from properties which have had copper piping stolen and have also seen a young male receive nasty injuries after being involved in the theft of copper cable from an electricity sub station.

"We are asking the public and tradesmen alike to be vigilant."