THIEVES targeting a Chorley superstore are ‘risking their lives’ by stealing lead and tiles from a high roof.

Several times intruders have climbed on to The Big Label at QS store, Chorley, to steal roof tiles and lead sheeting, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage in the process.

The company, which had its roots on Lancashire’s markets, and earlier occupied premises in Cherry Tree, Blackburn, has rented the Pall Mall site for the last 10 years.

Simon Yates, owner of QS said the damage caused by the thieves had cost him around £20,000.

He said: “As well as having to replace the stolen tiles and lead, I am picking up the bill for water damage to the inside of my store and the cost for repairing the roof.

“I’ve resolved the situation several times for it only to happen again.”

The Big Label at QS is currently looking to relocate to another premises in Chorley with supermarket giant Asda taking over the site.

Mr Yates added: “Just because we are moving out doesn’t give people the right to vandalise our current property.

“I’m concerned for the safety of the thieves too. They are climbing up to 20 feet which is very dangerous and I do not want to walk into work one morning with one of them lying on the floor after falling through my roof.”

A spokesman for Lancashire police said that investigations were continuing into the thefts.