Metal thieves have struck at a string of small businesses in the town centre. At least six firms in Macclesfield have had brass plaques plundered from the front of their offices.
Elizabeth Curphy, an osteopath at The Therapy Rooms on Park Street, says two plaques have been stolen from the shopfront.
She said: "There are always stories about thefts from church roofs but I think it’s important to know that this is happening everywhere, nobody is immune, anyone is a target.
"It’s hard enough for small businesses at the moment without this and we can’t just all take our plaques down. We are a small healthcare company trying to do our best for our patients. It will cost up to £50 to replace them."
Next door, Heywood Shepherd Accountancy had a large brass plaque taken three weeks ago too – and another went missing at the weekend.
Amanda Morris, accountant, said: "We haven’t reported it to police because it feels like a waste of time, it will be long gone. It’s really annoying, they cost far more to replace than they’ll get for scrap. We’ve put a plastic one up now in the hope it won’t go." Batesons chartered accountants on Statham Street had a plaque stolen three weeks ago and they have yet to replace it.
Hague Lambert solicitors at Park Green had their brass plaque stolen two weeks ago but didn’t report it to police.
Angela Foster, office manager, said: "We’re nervous to replace it in case it happens again." And a financial services firm was also targeted.
Insp Jez Taylor, head of Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing, said metal value is at a record high.
He added: "It’s unusual – I wouldn’t have thought they’d have enough weight to be worth it.
"We’ve done a lot of work with scrap dealers locally and they are all licensed but it’s likely there are unlicensed dealers who are dealing illegally and creating a market for this type of thing.
"It’s terrible, particularly as these are small businesses and they have to replace them. I’ll investigate what’s been reported."
