22 December 2011

THE Diocese of Oxford is the sixth worst area in the UK for metal thefts according to church insurer, Ecclesiastical’s latest figures from 2011.

This is a small improvement on last year when the Diocese was fifth in the table of places targeted by thieves looking to make of with lead and other valuable metals from churches.

The problem is a nationwide phenomenon and the public are encouraged to pressure the Government to change laws to prevent dealers getting hold of stolen metal.

Churches in the diocese of Chelmsford made over 90 claims to Ecclesiastical for theft of metal in 2011.

The dioceses of Lincoln and Lichfield were the second and third worst affected, both with over 80 claims. London and Southwell dioceses were in fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Overall, 2011 has become the worst year on record for the number of theft of metal claims from churches with the number of claims exceeding 2,500 by the end of the year, surpassing the previous worst figure of more than 2,400 in 2008.

The figures come as a new national survey by Ecclesiastical revealed that half of the UK’s population (49 per cent) is ‘appalled’ by the systematic destruction of the nation’s churches through metal theft, while a further 37 per cent is ‘saddened’ by the crime.

Ecclesiastical’s survey also showed overwhelming support from the public for a toughening up of the laws on metal theft. Two-thirds (67 per cent) of UK adults ‘strongly support’ changes to the law that would make it harder for criminals to sell stolen lead and other metals to scrap dealers. A further 23 per cent would ‘tend to support’ such legislative changes.

Half of the public (50 per cent) would ‘strongly support’ tougher sentencing for criminals convicted of stealing metal from churches while a further 29 per cent would ‘tend to support’ such measures.

18 per cent of UK adults say that metal theft has had a direct impact on their work or personal lives in terms of its effect on churches, transport and utility infrastructure.

John Coates, Ecclesiastical’s Direct Insurance Services Director, said: “2011 has been a very tough year with incidents of metal theft from churches becoming virtually endemic. If there is any light at the end of the tunnel, it’s the groundswell of public awareness of the problem this year and the growing sense of outrage.

“Our survey shows that the public does not want this state of affairs to continue and will support action to crack down on metal thieves and the methods they use to gain money for their stolen goods. We believe it’s important that the government takes note of this mood and takes immediate action to tighten up the law, particularly the Scrap Metal Dealers Act of 1964.”

Natalie Merry, Secretary of Oxford’s Diocesan Advisory Committee said: “The only way a significant reduction in metal thefts from churches is going to be made is when cash transactions are banned for scrap metal. Everyone should sign the petition to encourage the Government to ban these transactions."

In addition to promoting the use of the forensic liquid SmartWater among its customers, Ecclesiastical has successfully trialled and piloted the use of roof alarms in churches that have been targeted by metal thieves repeatedly. As a result of the trial, Ecclesiastical will now soon be launching a new anti-metal theft campaign which promotes a wider use of roof alarms in churches to deter criminals and reduce metal theft across the country.

In 2010 the diocese of Manchester topped Ecclesiastical’s list of most church metal thefts with over 90 claims. The Diocese of Oxford was number five.

The national survey of 2,053 UK adults was conducted for Ecclesiastical by independent research company YouGov from 13-15 December 2011.