The unsolved theft of thousands of pounds worth of roofing from a Liverpool synagogue has prompted a police crackdown. Large amounts of lead were ripped from the Grade-I listed Princes Road Synagogue in August. The theft was just months after extensive repairs to the synagogue roof following a £71,000 English Heritage grant.

Police Inspector Deborah Mackay said investigations were continuing after failing to charge a 39-year-old man arrested last month for the theft.

Princes Road's senior warden, Laurence Goldman, said £1,000 had already been spent on patching leaks while cold weather delayed a full costing. The CST is advising the synagogue on the use of alternative roof materials and specially marked lead which can be traced if stolen.