Huge rise in church theft claims

Stripped off lead cannot be re-used for church roofs

A massive increase in thefts of lead and other metals from church roofs in the north-east of England has been causing problems for parishioners.

Already in 2008 there have been 18 insurance claims in the Newcastle Diocese, and 19 in the Durham Diocese, which also covers parts of Teesside.

This compares to none in Newcastle in 2005 and two in the Durham Diocese.

Thefts from the roof can also lead to damage to the interior of churches, which increases the cost of repairs.

In County Durham, it took parishioners 10 years to raise the funds to repair the roof of St Johns Church, in Seaham.

However, in April, within two days of completion, the lead was stolen.

Shipped abroad

Betty Geary, one of the church wardens, said it was heartbreaking for all those who had worked hard so hard for their "much loved" church.

"Unfortunately it doesn't just damage the roof but meant the bad weather got into the 100-year-old organ and it has just about finished that off.

"We were insured, and the insurance claim is in, but we are not sure how much we are going to get."

It is believed that the metal, especially the lead, is stolen to order and shipped abroad.

The Rev Paul Judson, from the Diocese of Durham, said that his church, St Luke's in Hartlepool had been targeted three times over the past two years.

"It may be due to the fact that the value of scrap metal has rocketed, and churches are seen as an obvious target.

"The thing about the lead is that once it has been stripped off it cannot be re-used, so even in situations when the thieves are disturbed and it is not taken away it is useless."