|
Why theft happens |
|
Not since Henry VIII closed the monasteries has so much lead been stripped from so many church roofs. Metal theft is a growing issue, driven by the rise in demand for the likes of lead, copper and titanium.
In April 2008 church insurer, EIG, received nearly 350 lead theft claims, with the total bill for theft of metal from churches running at around £14m since the beginning of 2007.
In Manchester there has been an explosion of thefts: 2005 5 claims costing £5000, 2007 26 claims costing £350,000 2008 122 claims costing £385,000
The low risk of getting caught and the fact that stealing metal from churches is relatively easy has made churches a target for criminals. Controls to prevent scrap merchants from buying stolen metals are weak and difficult to enforce. Although UK policing has recognised the problem and a task force is operating across the country, it is resource-intensive work.
EIG has been lobbying MPs and the police to move the issue further up their agenda.
The Church of England is concerned about the extraordinary rise in this type of crime, but there is a lot we can do ourselves to combat the problem. Following the Prevent-Watch-Report rule is one way of beating the thieves.
For the EIG and English Heritage guidance notes on metal theft, visit www.BeatMetalTheft.org. |
|
Stories
|
