Police & churches work to combat spiralling lead thefts

Church leaders and police in Nottinghamshire are appealing to communities to be on the alert following spiralling incidents of lead thefts from ancient churches. Nottinghamshire Police have also appointed Chief Inspector Glenn Harper as the designated officer to oversee the situation across the county.

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd George Cassidy, said that widespread theft of lead and copper from church buildings had almost reached crisis point.

He said: “We know of 40 churches where lead has been stolen over recent months and north Nottinghamshire currently appears to be the epicentre of this criminal activity across the East Midlands.

“We are now working with the police to help parishes protect their buildings and we are very pleased that Chief Inspector Glenn Harper has been appointed to help tackle the problem.”

Church building advisers are currently in discussions with local authorities, English Heritage and church leaders to urgently investigate alternative possibilities to lead on roofs.

Director of Care of Churches, Stephen Langford said: “Lead theft has become more lucrative for villains with the increase and high demand for scrap. 

“But they make only hundreds of pounds when the replacement runs into thousands! 

“There are the associated fabric damage and internal water damage and scaffolding which further increases the price.”

Parishes are being advised to seek professional advice from the Care of Churches department over emergency repairs and to report incidents to both the police and the diocese.

They are also being urged to visit neighbours who overlook or are near to the church and ask them if they would be alert to any problems and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.

Chief Inspector Glenn Harper, who covers Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood, said: “Thieves are taking metal from churches, premises, radio masts and sub stations in isolated locations.

“Often victims only realise any metal has been taken from roofs and windows when it begins to rain.

“We are asking members of the public to be aware such thefts are taking place and to inform the police if they spot strange vehicles or people acting suspiciously”. 

“Clearly offenders have to climb and take time to remove the lead.  Lead is very heavy and thieves have to use vehicles to transport it. 

“They have to park that vehicle somewhere nearby whilst committing the crime and it is crucial that any information of this nature is passed to Police immediately.”

The police are asking the public to write down vehicle colour, model and registration number, location and time of where the offence is taking place and if possible description of the thieves.

“To help Police catch those responsible and to deter metal theft it is essential that the public report suspicious vehicles or persons seen acting suspiciously in church grounds and similar locations”. 

“I have instigated a response plan to ensure that Police patrols are quick to respond to calls from the public. 

“I need the public to help us, especially in outlying villages by being vigilant, but it is important to stress that at no time should anyone put themselves in danger to obtain the information we need.”

Chief Inspector Harper said: “ Alternatively, ring Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 if you know of any individual who is involved in lead and other metal theft either locally, in Nottinghamshire or surrounding counties close to the county border”

Anyone with information should call the police on 0115 967 0999.

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