Fylde Police issue statement after increase in lead thefts from churches in the area

Lead theft is a persistent and costly problem for churches, driven by the high scrap value of the metal.

The thefts cause extensive damage from water ingress, result in significant repair bills that often exceed insurance payouts, and can lead to the closure of historic buildings.

A spokesperson for the police said that heritage crime falls under the responsibility of their Rural Task Force and falls under any criminal activity that damages or threatens historic sites, buildings, monuments, or artifacts that are legally protected for their cultural significance.

They said: “Unfortunately, we’ve recently seen an increase in lead thefts from churches in the area.

“This type of crime can cause serious damage to these historic buildings and lead to significant repair costs.

“In response, the Fylde Rural Task Force has been visiting affected properties and making enquiries to identify those responsible.”

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They added: “It’s encouraging to see many churches already taking steps to protect themselves, including anti vandal paint, state of the art CCTV, and improved lighting.

“These measures make it harder for criminals to strike, and we’re committed to working with our communities to keep these treasured sites safe.”

If you see anything suspicious or have information that could help, please report it to police.