Metal thieves target Salle church roof

Lead roofing worth thousands of pounds has been stolen from churches across Norfolk prompting police to urge communities to stay vigilant.
 

St Peter and St Paul, Salle

 
The warning comes after thieves targeted six churches over a six-week period from the end of July to early September, including lead roofing taken from St Peter and St Paul Church in Salle between Saturday 6 September and Sunday 7 September.
 
The lead, reported to be worth £18,000, weighed two tonnes and was stolen from the roof of the northern side of the building. Church officials said the theft happened after 50-60 people had enjoyed an evening concert at the church by young Korean pianist Tian-yu Zhou.
 
Earlier, lead worth between £10,000 and £20,000 was stolen from St Mary’s Church in Narford in two separate incidents between Tuesday 29 July and Wednesday 30 July and Thursday 28 August and Friday 29 August.
 
In the other incidents:

  • lead roofing was stolen from St Peter and St Paul Church in Carbrooke between Monday 18 August and Tuesday 19 August;
  • lead roofing was taken from St Peter’s Church in Guestwick between Monday 1 September and Tuesday 2 September;
  • an iron gate was stolen from St Mary’s Church in Cranwich between Thursday 4 September and Sunday 7 September.

 
Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Andy Ninham said: “These crimes cause more than a financial loss as they disrupt local communities and damage our national heritage. I would urge communities across Norfolk to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the vicinity of churches.
 
“All these incidents occurred overnight and the amounts of lead would be heavy, therefore offenders would need to use vehicles to commit the crimes, so please pay particular attention to vehicle registration numbers.
 
“The Operation Radar Team, which investigates metal thefts, will be continuing their enquiries; however, anyone who sees anything suspicious should contact police on 101 or call 999 if you believe a crime is in progress.”
 
Anyone with information about these recent crimes should contact Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
 

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