POLICE patrols have been stepped up around Lowestoft Hospital as officers continue to investigate a spate of 'mindless' vandalism.The Journal reported a fortnight ago that nearly �1,000 of damage had been caused to a roof and several windows in a series of incidents over recent weeks, and it has now emerged that thieves have also stolen a 6ft by 3ft piece of lead from the top of the building.

POLICE patrols have been stepped up around Lowestoft Hospital as officers continue to investigate a spate of 'mindless' vandalism.

The Journal reported a fortnight ago that nearly �1,000 of damage had been caused to a roof and several windows in a series of incidents over recent weeks, and it has now emerged that thieves have also stolen a 6ft by 3ft piece of lead from the top of the building.

Police say the issue has become a 'policing priority' for the Lowestoft Central safer neighbourhood team (SNT). Officers have been conducting both high-visibility and covert patrols in the Tennyson Road area in the hope of discouraging further anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Meanwhile, the Lowestoft Central SNT has also set two other new policing priorities for the area; to enforce parking regulations in the town centre and areas surrounding the Lowestoft Town's football ground at Crown Meadow on match days, and to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal damage issues in Kensington Gardens and the Lower Esplanade.

The next Lowestoft Central SNT community priority setting meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 16, at 2.30pm at the United Reformed Church in London Road North.

Police are renewing appeals for anyone who has information about any incidents at the hospital to call officers on 01986 835300 and are urging anyone who notices suspicious behaviour on the site to call 999 straight away.