Thieves target Memorial Hall

Chris HillThieves broke into the grounds of Dereham's historic Memorial Hall and stole fuel, metal and equipment during the night.The Grade II listed building on Norwich Street is closed for work on a �2.Chris Hill

Thieves broke into the grounds of Dereham's historic Memorial Hall and stole fuel, metal and equipment during the night.

The Grade II listed building on Norwich Street is closed for work on a �2.6m renovation project which the town council hopes will re-establish the venue's reputation as a community arts hub.

But thieves took advantage of the closure last week to steal 40 litres of diesel, three stage lights, and lengths of copper piping and wire.

Norfolk police have stepped up patrols in the area, and asked people to come forward with information about the break-in, which happened between 9pm on Tuesday, August 10, and 8.40am on Wednesday, August 11.

Town clerk Tony Needham said: 'There was a break in, and some diesel was taken from work vehicles. We will have to repair it, but in the general scheme of things the town council is not significantly out of pocket.

'These were not kids, these people knew what they were interested in.

'We have been keeping a very close eye on the building, the police are keeping a check on it with their regular patrols, and we have asked for the CCTV to monitor it more closely.'

PC Vanessa Woodgett, of the Dereham Safer Neighbourhood Team, said 'We are urging residents to contact the police if they have any information about this incident.'

Anyone with information should contact PC Woodgett on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.