Security has been stepped up at Redbridge Town Hall after lead was stolen from its roof.

The theft from the building in High Road, Ilford, happened in early December.

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said additional security measures have been put in place to prevent repeat offences.

The lead has been replaced with a “substitute” that costs less.

Lead thieves have struck a number of buildings in the area, including St Mary the Virgin Church, also in High Road.

It has had two such thefts in the last year, with �6,000 of lead being stolen on the most recent occasion.