As can be seen from the chart below the price of lead has more than doubled since the end of 2008.
It is therefore not particularly suprising that the metal has attracted the attention of thieves and sparked off a spate of thefts from church roofs. Chilton Church suffered last year and Acton fell victim to the practice a couple of months ago. The loss of parts of the roof is very upsetting for all those who care for the buildings, not to mention expensive!
Local residents are being asked to be vigilent in looking out for anything strange going on around churches, particularly at night. I am printing below a message from the vicar Caroline Hallett.
Stop Thief!
Help stop lead roof theft.
If you see vans or work personnel around the church
between 6pm and 8am,
they’re probably stealing lead from the roof!
Phone 999
Also, if you see anyone suspicious looking round a neighbours property,
please report this to the police immediately by phoning 999.
If you would like crime prevention advice,
please contact the Safer Neighbourhoods Babergh West Team
(PC 1220Chris Garrod or PCSO 3193 Siobhan Hemmett)
on 01473 613500 or at baberghwest.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
