STAFF of a doctors’ practice have expressed their frustration after lead was stolen from their premises - as doctors and nurses prepare to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

A total of three squares metres of lead was stolen from the roof of Queens Avenue Surgery in Dorchester, prompting an exasperated response from practitioners.

The theft was discovered as the surgery’s employees arrived at the premises for work - the sheets of lead had apparently been taken in an overnight theft.

Staff said they were “disappointed” at the theft, adding that it was especially frustrating given that they are currently making preparations to deal with the swathe of coronavirus cases that are expected to hit the country in the coming weeks.

This was the second time in recent years that lead had been taken from the premises, with a previous theft having been reported in 2017. Rising prices for scrap have been blamed for a surge in metal thefts over recent years, particularly lead.

Buildings such as remote churches are particularly vulnerable while the railways have also been targeted in the past.

Last year the Echo reported how the number of metal thefts recorded by police in Dorset rose by almost 300 per cent between 2017 and 2018.

Dorset Police are investigating the theft at the surgery.

Dr Alex Glover, one of the surgery’s practitioners, said: “We are disappointed that this has happened at a time when we are trying to prepare for the wave of coronavirus cases we are expecting. It is the second time this has happened. We are wondering if anyone knows ‘why us’?”

A spokesman for Dorset Police said that enquiries into the theft are currently underway and that no arrests have been made as of yet.

They said: “Dorset Police received a report that an estimated three square metres of lead had been stolen from the roof of Queens Avenue Surgery in Dorchester. Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made.”

Sergeant Andy Napper, of Dorchester neighbourhood policing team, added: “I am appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area recently to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would urge local residents to check home CCTV systems for any footage that may be relevant to assist my investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200038452. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.