Metal thieves target library during refit

Metal thieves have struck again in the city, stealing two door handles from a library undergoing renovation.

Workers noticed the door handles – in the style of the 19th century Arts and Crafts movement – had gone missing from the doorway of Morningside Library.

Councillor Deidre Brock, culture and leisure convener, said: “Metal theft is a serious problem which is putting the city’s already stretched budget under even more pressure. The council and police are jointly cracking down on it and we’re grateful to the public for their help and vigilance in identifying metal theft where it occurs.

“We’re especially sad to see it affect Morningside Library, so near to its reopening.”

The city council estimates around £177,000 worth of damage has been done to schools and other city buildings in recent months by metal thieves.