CHURCH officials say scrap metal thieves are continually targeting their buildings – costing the church ten times what the metal is sold for.

Representatives from the Diocese of York, covering North Yorkshire and Middlesbrough, say many expensive thefts of lead and copper are continuing to take place in line with high lead and copper prices.

Opportunists are taking metal from roofs, including lightning rods and even church spires, in order to sell them to scrap metal dealers for a pittance – some leaving metal mangled and unusable after unsuccessful attempts at theft.

Phil Thomas, church buildings officer and secretary to the Diocese Advisory Committee, said: “There are about 25 major incidents a year that get reported to us, but I would say there are at least 30 to 40 churches targeted in total.

“I have seen a case where some scrap metal taken from a church would have gone for about £300, but the repair bill was nearly £50,000.”

Mr Thomas said the same churches were targeted multiple times. He said: “It is depressing that it keeps happening again and again.

“In Skelton (east Cleveland), there was a case where the parish church was targeted for four nights, but the police were waiting for them on the fourth night.”

Many churches now have silent alarm systems fitted that alert police of an intruder.

SmartWater, a technology used across the UK by police, is also being used, with insurance companies stipulating it as part of their terms.

The clear liquid is painted on metal and shows up under ultraviolet light, meaning scrap dealers and police can identify it immediately.

Another method used is replacing lead with stainless steel with an oxide coating. It has no scrap metal value and is extremely sharp and hard to remove.

A church in Ingleby Greenhow, North Yorkshire, has suffered after repeated thefts in the past few years and may use this option.

The Reverend Dr Anne Reading said: “It is a big problem in rural areas.”

The Archdeacon of Cleveland, the Venerable Paul Ferguson, said: “When people steal lead, it causes damage many times over than what they are stealing is worth. It is local people who end up having to bear the cost.

“If anyone sees any suspicious activity near churches, such as people with ladders, please let the police know.

Many times, theft occurs in broad daylight.”