Over the past weeks we have seen an increased number of theft reports from churches across Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. Thieves have been targeting metal roofs, flashings and rainwater goods (both lead and copper), church plate, and most recently, Cotswold stone roofing slates. Please stay vigilant.
Thieves often use drones to examine roof coverings prior to a theft attempt. Flying a drone over a church without a PCC’s prior approval should never be allowed. Approval could be considered subject to a valid reason, the operator having a current and valid Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ‘Permission for Commercial Operations’ certificate and evidence of valid insurance cover, both Drone Insurance and Public Liability Insurance.
Theft from churches should always be reported to the police as ‘heritage crime’, which carries more severe sentences than burglary, theft, or damage to property.
Please consider using ‘smart water’ on your metal roofs and rainwater goods, and installing a roof alarm. The Benefact Trust has a dedicated grant for the latter: Roof Alarm Grants Programme | Benefact Trust
Please see below for useful contacts and resources:
- Gloucestershire Constabulary: ‘How to report a rural, wildlife or heritage crime’: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/about-us/about-us/reporting-a-rural-wildlife-heritage-crime
- Historic England: ‘Theft From Places of Worship’ https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/caring-for-heritage/places-of-worship/places-of-worship-at-risk/metal-theft/
- Ecclesiastical Insurance: ‘Church metal theft’ www.ecclesiastical.com/risk-management/church-metal-theft
News Hub
