Churches warned of rise in metal theft across UK

AMAJOR heritage building insurer has warned churches to remain vigilant against metal theft over the summer months.

Ecclestiastical Insurance, the Gloucestershire-based specialist insurance provider, says the pandemic induced a fall in the theft of metal claims, but fears of a rise are present.

The provider say there is ‘high demand for copper and lead’ which is ‘driven by an increase in metal prices’.

Already there have been several churches affected by theft in the first quarter of 2022.

Last year a gang was successfully prosecuted for a spate of thefts in Dorset and beyond, with sentences totalling more than 22 years for the crimes committed which caused over £2 million in damage. Another gang is currently awaiting trial.

One of the ways which churches can protect themselves more effectively is by reviewing their security arrangements, the company says. Jo Whyman, risk management director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “The last two years has seen a drop in claims but we believe that the UKwide lockdowns have played a part in this.

“There is a risk that the continuing economic downturn in the UK and high value of scrap metal could see an increase in theft of metal from historical buildings such as churches, which is why it is vital that they take steps to protect their premises from unscrupulous offenders.

“Theft of metal can have a devastating impact on churches and heritage buildings. Aside from the cost of replacing the metal, further damage can happen as a result of exposure to the elements which can cost thousands of pounds. It is vital that churches in Somerset take steps to protect themselves from thieves and follow our guidance which is available through our website.”

Two years ago, Avon and Somerset Police carried out a joint investigation with Lincolnshire Police which saw three men charged in connection with a spate of church metal thefts from 2018-2020. This crime spree resulted in several of the county’s churches being targeted, including St Mary’s Church, Glastonbury, St John the Baptist Church, Wellington, and St Andrew & St Mary Church in Pitminster being targeted twice.

The church has spoken of the impact of the crime.

“We have a south and north aisle which are complete replicas,” said the Rev Jim Fallon of St Andrew and St Mary’s Church, “so sadly we knew that we’d be targeted twice.”

“In total they caused £56,000 worth of damage, and this wasn’t just to the roof. There was also substantial damage to the interior, the carpets were ruined and the organ had to have £10,000 spent on it to repair that.”

The thieves had been disturbed, so they even ended up leaving a large amount of lead behind. The church could only sell it on, and for a meagre price.

“There are generations of involvement with this church, and all for just a few thousand pounds in scrap metal,” said the Rev Fallon, “It’s senseless violence, and what can you really do to protect against that? Sit on a church roof all day?”

Due to insurance payout falling substantially short of repair costs, many churches rely on the strength of their communities to raise funds for the necessary repairs.

“The ripple went far in the community and it cut deep. It felt like an attack to the community. Luckily we have a strong local bond here, even right back to the pilgrims, so we actually had families out in America who really helped us out too,” said the Rev Fallon.