SCHOOLS, churches and homes have been targeted by gangs of metal thieves operating in Colchester.

Police are appealing for information after six properties fell victim to thieves in three days.

They include Birch Church of England Primary School, School Hill, which was hit for the third time when thieves took a substantial amount of lead from a roof causing extensive flood damage.

The theft took place just before midnight on Wednesday, May 2.

All Saints’ Church in Shrub End Road had copper stolen from the roof overnight between Monday, April 30 and Tuesday, May 1.

Lead flashing was stolen from a porch roof at a home in Gladstone Road and reported to police yesterday.

The same day police were called to homes in Military Road.

Burglars had taken copper pipes from the communal bathroom after pulling a sink off the wall which also caused water damage.

And lead flashing was also taken from around a bay window of a home In Derwent Road on the same day.

Anyone with information about any of the thefts call Colchester police station on 101.