Hi-tech bid to beat thieves
Churches are now resorting to hi-tech security measures after it was revealed that metal thieves have cost places of worship across a diocese in the area a staggering £200,000 in the last year alone.
Churches are now resorting to hi-tech security measures after it was revealed that metal thieves have cost places of worship across a diocese in the area a staggering £200,000 in the last year alone.
More than 70 churches in the Lichfield diocese have been targeted by gangs cashing in on the booming black metal market. And in Wolverhampton at least 15 churches have been hit, leading to insurance claims of £56,000, while claims in Walsall have hit the £40,000 mark.
This is after 14 churches were targeted in the Black Country town.
The figures, which have doubled since last year, have been released by Church of England insurer Ecclesiastical which says metal thefts have reached epidemic levels.
They have been made public as religious leaders across the region were gathering today for the launch of a new metal marking system aimed at deterring thieves.
The DNA-style identification system called SmartWater is set to be rolled out at the region's churches, meaning any metal stolen can be traced back to the owner.
The security solution, pioneered by Telford-based SmartWater Technology, means thieves who come in contact with the liquid can also be linked to the crime scene.
Lichfield Diocese spokesman Gavin Drake said today: "While cheaper metals are available, many heritage buildings such as churches are listed and bodies such as English Heritage insist that stolen lead is replaced with lead.
"As a result several churches are being targeted on more than one occasion, with thieves returning to steal the lead when it has been replaced," he added.
Steve Wood, Ecclesiastical's managing director, said: "The theft of metals from churches has gone on long enough. We're planning to put a stop to it once and for all with a high-tech security measure proven to get results," he went on to say.
Lichfield Diocese has been ranked as the worst-hit in the West Midlands for metal thefts and seventh out of all 44 dioceses across the country.
The new SmartWater security scheme was being launched at 2pm in St Andrew's Church in Church Street, Shifnal, which has been targeted three times by thefts, who have made off with £18,000 worth of lead.
Thieves are cashing in on soaring prices of metal including aluminium and lead, which have rocketed amid increased worldwide demand. West Midlands Police recently launched Operation Steel to crack down on the criminals who are costing the region's economy millions every year. So far around 350 people have been arrested.
Last month scrap dealer John Brummell, of Summer Hill, in Kingswinford, became the first in the Black Country to be prosecuted under the crackdown after 15 stolen beer kegs were recovered from his business J&D Industrial in Dixon Street, Parkfields.
He was fined £1,000 and also ordered to pay £1,616 in court costs.
