By Hayley Robinson

Three primary schools have been left counting the cost after they were targeted by metal thieves.

Hartlip Endowed Primary School is facing a repair bill of more than £4,000.

Thieves caused £150 worth of damage to the roof of the school based in The Street, Hartlip, after they tried to steal lead sometime between January 28, and January 31. An estimated £4,000 worth of damage was caused when the thieves returned and were successful, sometime between February 4 and February 7.

Newington Primary School, in School Lane, Newington, was also targeted twice. No damage was caused during the first attempt which happened between January 28 and January 31. However, the offenders made of with £300 worth of lead flashing when they returned between February 2 and February 3.

Holywell Primary School, in Forge Lane, Upchurch, faces a £1,975 repair bill after 14 metres of lead flashing was stolen between January 29 and February 4.

Increasingly high prices for scrap metal are believed to be behind the lead thefts.

Adrian Fromm, Swale Community Safety Partnership’s crime reduction and architectural liaison officer, has written to every school in the borough warning them to be on their guard.

Mr Fromm said: "The theft of any lead flashing can result in rainwater leaking through the roof into the fabric of the building, which can cause untold damage to schools.

"Kent Police recommends that where lead flashing has been stolen it is replaced where possible with a lead alternative which has no re-sale value. Existing lead can be painted with anti-climb paint, which makes it messy and difficult for the thief to remove. The paint is non-drying and marks clothes and skin, often helping police identify the offenders.

"Some businesses use silver paint to coat the lead which devalues the metal. You can also mark lead with forensic marking solutions. Each bottle of the invisible liquid has a unique forensic code, similar to DNA, linking marked property to its owner."

For more crime reduction advice call Mr Fromm on 01795 419393.