Church Lead Thefts Rise Through the Roof

THEFTS of lead from churches have increased dramatically in the last year in the Oxford Diocese, claim specialist insurers, Ecclesiastical. From only one claim in 2006,  the company has received 40 this year.

The thefts reflect a national trend. There have been more than 1,800 claims across the country this year totalling over £5.8million.

But churches can now fight back. The Oxford Diocese has welcomed news of a new product  ‘SmartWater’, developed by Ecclesiastical with experts in forensic security. The non-hazardous liquid, is invisible until seen under UV light when it glows brightly, allowing marked items to be traced back to their owners and linking criminals who have touched it directly to their crime.

For more details on metal thefts, Ecclesiastical’s awareness campaign, and SmartWater, visit www.ecclesiastical.com.