THIEVES risked causing an explosion at a synagogue when they stole copper piping.

Crooks ripped the metal down from Southend and District Reform Synagogue, causing gas to escape into the street for about ten hours.

They then carried the ten feet of piping away in full view of passing traffic in London Road, Westcliff.

Luckily staff at the next door Furniture Outlet Stores noticed it at about 10am the following day and immediately rang the National Grid.

Richard Levy, caretaker at the synagogue, said it was extremely lucky the theft happened during half term.

He said: “There would have been scores of kids walking to Chalkwell Hall infant and junior schools.

“There would have been parents and all sorts.

“Had it not been half term I dread to think what would have happened.”

“I think we were very lucky.”

The piping was taken at about 3am on Tuesday.

Two men were seen on CCTV removing it, but the images are too grainy to clearly identitfy them The synagogue will now be forced to stop its Saturday services as there is no heating.

Mr Levy said: “The frustrating thing is, because we’ve got elderly members, they are not all on e-mail. so when we have to close the building, it means a lot of us getting on the phones to call everyone up.

“I don’t think these people realise what disruption they cause.”

The synagogue now needs a plumber to help replace all the copper piping, but they are struggling to find anyone at such a busy time of year.

Mr Levy also thought the thieves were foolish to risk their lives to remove the metal.

He said: “It was about £28 from Wickes. It’s madness. They put their own lives at risk for about £28.”

Anyone with information can call Leigh police station on 101.