Lead thieves steal from heritage railway

8 days ago

Seb CheerYorkshire

Police said damage worth £20,000 was caused as lead worth £10,000 was stolen

PA Media A steam locomotive pulling into a historic-looking railway station platform. The station name of Pickering is just visible on a sign, and there are four people standing on the platform. — Police said damage worth £20,000 was caused as lead worth £10,000 was stolen

Thieves have caused extensive damage to a heritage railway as they stole £10,000 worth of lead, police have said.

Two men targeted Pickering Station, the main terminus of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), at 20:50 GMT on 23 January.

British Transport Police (BTP) said they scaled a gate and climbed onto a roof before removing the lead haul and damaging the building.

NYMR chief executive officer Laura Strangeway said volunteers and staff at the charity were "very saddened" by the incident.

She added: "We work very hard to bring our heritage railway to life for thousands of families who visit us each year and our volunteers give their time for free to make a magical day out for everyone.

"At a time when we have a cost of living crisis, it's soul-destroying to have to try and rectify the damage these individuals have caused to our beloved Pickering Station's roof."