Copyright © PA ImagesMore than 2,600 churches across the UK were attacked by vandals last year – with roofs stripped bare for the metal they contain – but time might be running out for opportunistic thieves.
“The attack on Britain’s churches has reached catastrophic proportions and we simply have to do something about it,” said John Coates, director of church insurance at Ecclesiastical. “Every day an average of seven churches are targeted by criminals, who see them as easy pickings.”
Last year was the worst year on record for church metal thefts according to the heritage insurer – which covers 96% of Anglican churches. And it’s not just church roofs - transport, utilities, communications and health services have been disrupted thanks to metal theft and even irreplaceable metal sculptures have been stolen for their scrap value as thieves cash in on soaring metals prices.
[Related feature: Monuments vanish, power cut as metal thieves stalk UK]
But despite disruption elsewhere, it is the desecration of churches that stirs the most emotion. Half the UK population is ‘appalled’ by this crime with another 37% ‘saddened’ by it, figures from Ecclesiastical show.
“Britain’s churches are woven into the fabric of our national life and our heritage,” said Coates. “Our literature and art abound with them. For millions of us, some of the most important milestones of our lives are played out in church – baptisms, weddings, funerals. Everyone can appreciate the beauty of their architecture and the good will they radiate into the communities around them.”
“Now their roofs are being casually ripped away by criminals looking for quick cash – criminals who have complete disregard for the damage they inflict. For some churches, it’s a case of picking up the pieces and trying to move on; for others, a major theft of roof lead can be a death blow that forces closure. Unless this epidemic of crime is stopped, the place of churches in our society will never be the same again.”
Ecclesiastical, the biggest church and heritage insurer in the UK, is now spending £500,000 of its own money to install roof alarms free of charge on some of the country’s worst-affected churches.
The alarms use hidden sensors to detect metal thieves then emit “powerful blue flashing lights” while speakers broadcast “a loud, recorded message” when triggered. Depending on the alarm company, signals can be sent to security personnel as well – telling them to head to the church.
And the hopes are high that this could help stop the looting. More than 100 churches over the last few years have been given this sort of protection and, when fitted, roof alarms have significantly reduced or stopped metal theft completely.
“The theft of lead, particularly from churches is a major issue which has upset and affected communities right across the country,” said Richard Crompton, from the Association of Chief Police Officers. “This sort of crime strikes at the very heart of communities and damages and destroys our shared heritage. The installation of roof alarms is a proven way of deterring thieves and represents another step forward in the fight against heritage crime.”
The worst-hit places for church metal theft
Worst hit dioceses in 2011 |
Worst hit dioceses in 2010 |
|
1. Chelmsford |
Manchester |
|
2. Lincoln |
Lincoln |
|
3. Lichfield |
Chelmsford |
|
4. London |
Southwark |
|
5. Southwell |
Oxford |
223 comments