LEAD thieves targeting a Valleys town have left a bill of tens of thousands of pounds in stolen metal and damaged property.

Ebbw Vale police say lead thieves have struck more than 30 times in the area since November, including around 20 private homes.

The soaring price of lead boosting the value of scap metal is thought to have triggered the spate of thefts - especially of sheets of lead flashing from the roofs of buildings including the leisure centre.

Other targets include All Saints RC church, Ebbw Vale male voice choir hall, The Bridgend public house, Providence Baptist Church and Beaufort Road pensioners hall.

The old hospital buildings which are currently being renovated have been hit on three separate occasions.

One victim, Terry Havard, who owns Terry's Barber Shop in Libanus Road, Ebbw Vale, said thieves stole £500 of flashing from his shop canopy.

He said: "I'm really annoyed. There's so much of this going on, I'm not sure if I should replace it, in case it gets stolen again."

PC Mike Smith from Ebbw Vale police station said: "Various lengths from 1.5m to 20m have been taken.

"But apart from the theft of lead, the damage caused to the buildings is often in excess of the value of the metal taken."

A house currently under construction on West View Terrace was targeted for £1,000 of lead, but the owner estimated the damage to an external wall would cost around £1,500 to repair.

From private homes, the cost of the lead was usually around £300, with damage to roofs or tiling costing the same again.

Emergency maintenance was done on the roof last week.

PC Smith went on: "We are asking people to be vigilant and keep their eyes peeled.

"If you see anything suspicious call 999 immediately."

He also appealed for anyone with information to contact Ebbw Vale police station on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Leisure Centre targeted THE largest building targeted was Ebbw Vale leisure centre.

A council spokesman told the Argus: "A considerable quantity of lead has been taken from across the whole roof of the leisure centre.

"It is likely that the theft took place at some point over the Christmas period, as we only became aware of the situation after water began leaking into the building during the recent heavy rains."

It is estimated that the cost to repair the damage at the leisure centre will run into many thousands of pounds.