Telford home floods after metal thieves steal piping
A house in Telford has been left severely damaged after thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of copper piping.
Thieves forced their way into the empty property on Fifth Avenue in Ketley Bank and stole around 40 metres worth of copper piping by pulling it from the radiators and airing cupboard.
Following the theft between 9pm on Tuesday and 11am on Wednesday a leak resulted in both the kitchen and living room ceilings collapsing.
A Telford Police spokeswoman said: "The next door neighbour reported a leak so the landlord sent someone to look at the problem. It was later established that the source of the leak was at the property next door following the theft of the copper piping.
"A substantial leak occurred which caused the kitchen and living room ceiling to collapse, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
"Police are eager to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area in the 24 hours before the theft was discovered on Wednesday morning.
"We also want to hear from any scrap dealers who may have information."
Around £3,000 worth of copper piping was stolen from the property and it is estimated that it will cost around £5,000 to fix, repair and redecorate the property.
Anyone with information should contact Telford Police on 101.
