'Nuisance' thieves strip £1,000 of lead from Kingskerswell church roof
A VICAR has condemned 'nuisance' thieves who stole £1,000 of lead from the roof of his church.
The tiles were ripped off St Mary's Church in Kingskerswell — an historic Grade II-listed structure dating back to the 14th century.
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repair bill: John Leonard, left, with architect Bob Platts on the roof Torquil MacLeodTQTM20130222F-001_C
Rev John Leonard thinks the thieves used a wheelbarrow to take the lead from the church to a waiting vehicle.
The cost of the repairs will be about £5,000.
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He said: "We are talking about £1,000 worth of tiles, but the repairs will possibly be in excess of £5,000. The way they removed the lead by ripping it from the roof means they've probably caused some other damage.
"It is a nuisance really. It took hours just to stop the rain water pouring in the building.
"It is drying out nicely now, but it is not just the theft of the lead. It is also having to have it repaired and all the work involved. It will probably also put our insurance premiums up."
The tiles were taken from the building in Church End Road overnight between February 13 and 14.
They were stolen from the flat roof of what is probably the oldest part of the church.
Rev Leonard had only replaced the tiles about 18 months ago and due to their thickness and quality they were due to last the church another 150 years.
The lead was marked with a Smartwater crime number which can be read using ultraviolet light to trace the rightful owner.
Rev Leonard said the last theft of lead from the roof was 15 years ago.
He added: "There are tracks in the churchyard and I think what has happened is they have taken the tiles by wheelbarrow to a van waiting in Foredown Lane."
Police have appealed for witnesses to call 101 quoting crime reference JN/13/417.
In another reported incident thieves attempted to steal lead from Decoy Community Primary School in Newton Abbot.
They left empty handed.
It happened between Tuesday, February 12, and Wednesday, February 13.
Quote crime number JN/13/399.
6 Comments
by DFR Roofing Ltd
Saturday, March 02 2013, 7:42PM
“Thanks for that Nicold....we are extremely busy thank you and are not looking for work. If you came across as many cases of this as we do, and the shear extent of damage caused for what will be a minimal value when the lead is traded in, you would also be more sympathetic. Like your photo by the way.”
by Hocus_Pocus
Saturday, March 02 2013, 3:08PM
“I fear the good Rev Leonard is being a little bit too Christian in his description of the thives as a 'nuisance, as for you MisterDonut/SidneyNuff, you really are a moron of the highest order.”
by nicold
Saturday, March 02 2013, 10:44AM
“I wonder if DFR Roofing are looking for a church contract by chance?”
by DFR Roofing Ltd
Saturday, March 02 2013, 9:29AM
“If we can help, give us a call. This sort of theft is unbelievable and working within the roofing sector, it is something which we come across more and more. Hope all works out for you.”
by MisterDonut
Friday, March 01 2013, 7:13PM
“The church is just as responsible for opening hostels for criminals and drug addicted dossers as the council are. This is how we and you get repaid. You reap what you sow vicar, remember that the next time you entice criminals into our community.”
by DevonJanner
Friday, March 01 2013, 4:48PM
“i thought the s*******s had to aware of these sort of thefts,probably a roving gang of tinkers..”