[MSN] UK. Museum closed after roof theft. Crystal Palace Museum has still not been reopened after water leaked into the building a month ago when leading was stolen from the roof.

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Museum closed after roof theft

Crystal Palace Museum has still not been reopened after water leaked into
the building a month ago when leading was stolen from the roof.

Thieves stole a substantial area of roof leading from the museum, in Anerley
Hill, in early May.

This meant after a heavy downpour on May Day bank holiday, water gathered
above the museum's ceiling, which then began to cave in.

"We had a disaster plan formulated, which we put in place," said Ken Kiss,
honorary acting curator and one of eight directors of the building.

"Staff moved the artefacts away from where we knew the ceiling would fall
in. Within 24 hours it had caved in but none of the items were affected."

The crime has meant the museum has been forced to close until all repairs
are completed by Bromley Council. "It's a shame it wasn't open for half term
last week," said Mr Kiss. "We hope it will be running again in a few weeks
time."

Police say there has been a spate of thefts of roof leading in recent
months, which they think is due to the high cash value of lead and copper.

The scrap value of copper went up £500 per tonne from £2,500 to £3,000
between March and April this year.

The price of lead scrap per tonne went up £50 from £750 to £800 over the
same period.

http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/
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+31 10 2233897
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