Metal Theft

The current global high demand for raw materials has seen an increase in the theft of metal, typically lead, copper and steel. Churches are particularly vulnerable to this type of crime and a lead roof can prove a desirable target for a thief. The damage caused by a theft can remain undetected for some time and can lead to additional problems with water ingress to the building a particular issue.

Lead roof of a church which has been attacked by thieves. © Ecclesiastical

English Heritage has recently published new guidance on metal theft from church buildings. The guidance is in two parts: the first offers advice for congregations on the significance of lead, how to protect it, and how to respond to thefts; the second offers detailed practical information about selecting the material to be used for historic church roofs and making it secure. The importance of prevention and vigilance is highlighted, along with the need to use a combination of security measures to deter thieves. Many of the options suggested are simple and inexpensive such as keeping wheelie bins secure, preventing easy access to roofs by making sure waste bins are not kept near the building, blocking vehicular access, applying anti-climb paint to drain pipes and roof guttering, and erecting prominent warning signs. The guidance also discusses the replacement of stolen material. A like-for-like replacement of stolen materials is the ideal and should be encouraged but the new guidance offers greater clarity on when alternative materials might be appropriate and which ones are likely to be considered following theft of roofing materials.

You can download the English Heritage guidance here or in the Useful Links section on the right of this page.

The Church of England also publishes a great deal of useful information around the issue on their Churchcare website. You will find information relating to prevention and replacement with access to Ecclesiastical Insurance’s guidance on metal theft. There is also some information on Heritage Crime Impact Statements (HICS), which help to illustrate the wider effect a crime of this type can have on the community, and groups, using the building. 

Churchcare can be accessed here or in the Useful Links section on the right of this page alone with the guidance from Ecclesiastical Insurance.