Yesterday we reported on the theft of lead from the roof of a building in Saltaire’s historic Roberts Park.

And earlier on in the week we told how a lightning conductor was stolen from a church spire.

Today, metal theft is once again making headlines with an Idle primary school the latest unfortunate target.

The raid and weather left the building in such a dangerous condition that it had to be closed.

Of course, repairing the damage will end up costing the school somewhere down the line – even if its insurers pick up the bill, premiums are more than likely to increase as a result of this theft.

The pupils, meanwhile, missed out on performing a nativity play to children from another school, and today’s performance for parents was also said to be under threat.

In addition, the unexpected closure of the school will have caused major problems for many parents, some of whom may have had to miss work to look after their little ones.

Whether it is putting the public at risk by stealing drain covers, as has happened in the past, damaging buildings or spoiling children’s Christmas celebrations, metal scavengers are a real menace.

That being so, when anyone is found guilty of such an offence, their sentences must reflect not only the value of the stolen metal but also the disruption, distress, danger and damage they have caused.