Arrests over church metal thefts

High scrap metal prices are thought to drive thefts

Two men have been arrested and bailed on suspicion of trying to sell metal thought to have been stolen from churches in Bedfordshire.

Police said the men tried to sell 60kg (132lbs) of what appeared to be brand new lead cut off a roll.

Officers, who have stepped up visits to scrap merchants, made the arrests at a scrap yard in Cauldwell Walk, Bedford.

It is believed the high scrap value of copper, lead and other metals has led to a surge in thefts.

Police working on the Faith Watch anti-crime initiative, recommended the use of a product called Smart Water, which is being given to churches free of charge by the insurance company, Ecclesiastical, to help reduce thefts from churches.

It permanently marks surfaces with a unique code which means the metal can be traced in the event of theft.