Metal thefts from churches across the Black Country and Staffordshire TREBLE in just one year

Figures obtained by the Express & Star show there have been 18 metal thefts from temples and churches in Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell so far this year, up from six last year.

In Staffordshire there have been seven this year, up from two last year.

None have been reported to police in Wolverhampton.

Roof leading is targeted in most cases, although hot water tanks, bins and even a brass cross were also taken.

Every church was named by West Midlands Police, although Staffordshire would not name the churches targeted for fear thieves would go back.

Lifegate Outreach Centre Church, in Short Acre Street, in Walsall, was targeted early this year.

Pastor David Oloke said: "They took flash leading from around the guttering - it cost £2,000 to replace.

"It meant we had water briefly leaking through the centre which was disappointing, but me managed to get it fixed."

On police advice, alternative lead material was used for the repair work.

Also targeted was Holy Trinity Church, in Burlington Road, West Bromwich.

Lead worth just £40 was ripped from the church roof, although it cost around £2,000 for the church to fix and left flooding in the church during heavy downpours earlier this year.

Rev Neil Robbie said: "It was mindless and left us a big headache when it came to repairs."

Ecclesiastical is a specialist insurer which works for churches.

The firm says while the value of lead continues to rise the number of thefts will also.

Paul Humphries, church claims consultant for specialist insurer, said: "Opportunistic theft of lead from churches has reduced significantly compared to the high volumes we were seeing during 2008-2011.

"We believe that this is due to a combination of improved general premises security, greater public awareness and better control of scrap yards.

“However, during 2015 we saw an increase in large thefts perpetrated by organised gangs, which involved the removal of entire church roofs.

"This trend continued during 2016 and 2017. As the value of lead continues to increase it is fair to assume that the volume and severity of incidents of metal theft will also increase.

"We therefore encourage churches to remain vigilant and contact us or refer to the preventative guidance which is available for all our church customers on our website.”

West Midlands Police Designing Out Crime Manager, Mark Silvester, said: “My team works closely with places of worship, and over the years have given advice to help prevent this type of theft.

“We offer advice to those who have concerns over theft of metal from their building or buildings under restoration that are classed as historic buildings and are of a listed status, and there are materials available to replace original lead or cast metal.

“We will explore all options, taking into account a building’s heritage, including strengthening perimeters and surveillance.

“While there isn’t one fixed solution, I have a specialist in my team who has worked with a huge number of historic buildings over the years, whose services are called upon to support when necessary.

“Additionally, the force is involved in activity to reduce metal theft, such as tighter controls on the recycling.”