THERE has been outrage at the news that thieves have stolen a sculpture designed by youngsters at a special school.

Police called the theft a “disgrace” and a local councillor said that she could not understand why people had to “spoil things”.

This incident is a reminder of the human face of the current rise in metal thefts.

The market for scrap metal has rocketed in recent months and there has been a rise in thefts of copper piping from houses and drain covers in streets.

The latest theft of the 7ft statue at a roundabout in Haslingden has shocked the community there, not least the pupils at Tor View Community Special School which designed it.

Thefts such as these are hugely upsetting to those involved. And thefts of drain covers and copper piping are dangerous, both to those carrying out the crime and those who are the victims of the crime.

The statue was taken early on Sunday and is unique.

Someone must have seen what happened at the busy junction and a scrap merchant may have already been offered the piece.

It is important that this thief is brought to justice and the current crackdown by police on scrap metal thefts is a success.