A town centre business has slammed “disgusting” thieves who stole thousands of pounds worth of lead from one of its buildings.

The former Natwest bank on Halstead High Street has had lead taken from the roof and is just one of a number of buildings targeted by crooks in recent weeks.

Lead has also been taken from Halstead Physiotherapy Clinic on Market Hill, while several other firms have been the victims of criminal damage.

The theft of the lead from the old Natwest came as a particular blow to funeral directors Daniel Robinson’s and Sons, which is restoring the historic building as part of a business expansion.

Branch manager Terry Wright was left angered by the incident and says it is disgusting that crooks have left the firm with an unnecessary expense to replace the lead.

He said: “We put the scaffolding up on the Friday to start work and the lead had been stolen by the Saturday morning.

“We have had people break into the building site and cause damage before. All of this is just creating extra costs for us.

“We like to think we are a community company which is trying to restore an old building to how it used to look. I can’t believe people think they can steal thousands of pounds worth of materials.

“It’s disgusting and really disappointing.”

Essex Police says a 34-year-old woman from Braintree was arrested on suspicion of theft in connection with the incident. She has since been released under investigation.

Last week the Gazette reported High Street opticians Wardale Williams had a total of £20,000 worth of stock stolen during two separate burglaries in July.

Hardys clothes store in Market Hill has also been a victim of crime after it had a number of its windows smashed overnight on Tuesday, July 24.

Windows in the former Head Street Gallery were also damaged the same night, and it is believed damage was caused to buildings on Colchester Road.

Essex Police say officers later arrested and charged a 25-year-old man with three counts of criminal damage in connection with the spree.

He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 29.

With a number of crimes taking place on High Street, Chief Inspector Craig Carrington insists police are ready to take positive action to stop criminals.

He said: “We are able to take action against all criminals and we will arrest people and put them before the courts.

“We want to work with residents and businesses who are victims of crime.

“I would encourage to come everyone to come forward to report any crimes they see or suspicious behaviour.

“We will take positive action against all criminals. My team will patrol Halstead and the entire district and aim to deliver the best possible service we can.”