Police are hunting lead thieves who caused £3,000 worth of damage and left a dirty “calling card” at a Fife Scout hall.
Officers called to investigate the theft of lead from the roof of Stewart Trust Hall in Cairneyhill were given an unwelcome surprise when they found the culprits had defecated on top of the building.
The sickening theft was discovered by the 83rd (Cairneyhill) Scout Group after they attended a Remembrance Day service.
Scott Davies, who helps maintain the building, said: “I have been up on the roof and carried out a temporary repair and hopefully that will keep out the worst of the rain. We’re very much into some of the worst winter weather.
“But everything is running as normal.”
He said the option of using a lead substitute for the repair work was being considered.
He added: “The way metal prices are going, if we put lead up there again there is every chance they would be back again a couple of weeks after it had been replaced.”
The hall not only caters for Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Explorers, it is also used by community groups, including the local cycling club and football team.
Explorer Scout leader Callum Farquhar said a quote for repairs had come in at £3,000 and they were waiting to hear from their insurers.
He said: “What makes this worse is the fact the whole community suffers. It’s like targeting churches. They target a building which is not being lived in.
“It’s disappointing when it’s a community facility and it’s just been robbed.”
Chief Inspector Gordon Mitchell said: “Police are investigating the theft of lead flashing from the roof of the Scout hall in Cairneyhill between November 8 and November 10.
“What is certain is that the implications of these crimes are immense.
“Scouting is a charity that provides great service to the community and is a fantastic diversion for our young people. To steal from these charity groups has an implication that is felt by everyone in that community and we would ask anyone with information to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
Photo by David Wardle