Worshippers count cost of metal thefts

Metal thefts at churches in the region have left many congregations facing an uphill battle to raise funds for repairs.

For thieves the increasing value of lead makes it a tempting way to make money. But for worshippers it causes heartbreak and months of work to restore their churches.

The Diocese of Worcester, which covers Dudley and Worcestershire, has recorded 20 metal thefts causing more than £50,000 of damage already this year, compared with 13 in the previous 12 months.

Numbers are also rising in the Diocese of Lichfield.

It has prompted some churches to look at what other materials they can use for their roofs to prevent further thefts.

A church in the Black Country has installed stainless steel roof panels to deter raiders. Elsewhere Smartwater, used to put security marks on metal making it easier for police to trace, has been used.

Earlier this month, thieves ripped away a huge section of lead stretching almost the entire length of St Peter's Church in Kinver leaving the congregation with a bill of up to £10,000.

Patch-up works have been carried out to make the building watertight as fundraising gets under way for a permanent replacement.

In May a bell was stolen from the roof of St Peter's Church in Darby End, Netherton, for the second time in three years. Considerable damage was caused to the roof of the building.

An appeal to raise £10,000 to repair the roof and replace the bell was launched. The Reverend Stephen Carter said more than £2,000 had been raised so far.

Around 12 square yards of lead was stolen from St Peter's Church, in Lea Lane, Cookley, near Kidderminster, last month.

Thieves scaled fences to get in to the churchyard, dragging ladders along with them to reach the roof. It is expected to cost several thousand pounds to repair the damage.

In April, raiders stripped copper sheets from the roof of a Stafford church.

The congregation arrived for the early morning service at St Bertelin's Church in Holmcroft Road to find the damage. Team Vicar, the Rev Elaine Evans, said: "It was only thanks to the quick thinking of churchwarden Dave Mann who put a temporary cover over the roof, that more damage was prevented,"

And at St Bartholomew's Church, Church Hill, Wednesbury, thieves plundered the roof and caused a flood. Repairs costing £75,000 were needed. Stainless steel roof panels have been installed to deter thieves.

Gavin Drake, communications manager for the Diocese of Lichfield, said: "Churches have to find thousands of pounds. Our best defence is our neighbours.

"We would urge anyone who sees anyone doing what looks like building work which they are not expecting, to contact the vicar or the police."