By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 12:20, Tuesday, 08 May 2012

Thieves caused a flood at a well-known north Cumbrian pub after breaking in and stealing copper pipes.

The Sour Nook Inn, near Sebergham

It is the latest in a spate of metal thefts that has been spreading across Cumbria.

The Sour Nook Inn at Sebergham, near Carlisle, was the latest building to be targeted.

The pub, which is currently for sale and unoccupied, was broken into overnight on Friday.

Police said the burglars had got in by forcing a rear door and had taken copper pipes.

By doing so they caused a water leak which brought down the kitchen ceiling.

The incident happened just a few days after a similar break-in almost caused a gas explosion at a chapel in west Cumbria.

Raiders stole copper piping from the Gospel Hall, Maryport, sparking a “significant” gas leak in the building.

Police say the incident, which happened between Saturday and Wednesday last week, could have had very serious consequences.

Fortunately, the Furnace Lane building had not been used by the public during the time the gas was leaking.

The leak has since been plugged and no houses needed to be evacuated.

Metal theft is fast becoming one of the fastest growing crimes in Cumbria.

It recently emerged that more than £1.3m worth of metal has been stolen during 1,200-plus cases in the county over the past three years.

Cumbria Constabulary insists it is taking the problem very seriously and launching targeted operations to catch those responsible.

They have issued a specific warning following a number of suspicious sightings of a white Ford Transit van in the Appleby area. Officers believe the occupants were looking to steal scrap metal.

The latest sighting was in Murton on Friday night.

Officers are urging anyone with information about the latest incidents, or who witnesses anyone acting suspiciously, to contact them on 101.

First published at 11:24, Tuesday, 08 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk