Bridport: Concern at rise in theft of lead

In that period almost 100 lead thefts have hit Dorset – costing businesses and community groups thousands of pounds.

New figures released by Dorset Police show around 15 lead thefts a month are taking place across the county.

Bridport’s figures have increased from four incidents from October 2009 to April 2010 to 13 from October 2010 to April 2011.

Parishioners are still counting the cost of a lead theft from their church at Whitchurch Canonicorum.

Former churchwarden John Bain said it was still to be decided how the lead stolen in February from the church roof was going to be replaced.

Lead would cost £10,000 but it would not be replaced without a new security system. He said: “There are two possibilities – one is to simply replace the lead stolen and introduce stringent security measures to make sure we know who it is even if we don’t catch anybody who comes back.

“There is a stainless steel alternative which is acceptable in this day and age because the material, although it would be very expensive to do it, is far less valuable and so less attractive to thieves.

“We are exploring those options.”

Bridport Inspector Caroline Naughton said: “Although the Bridport Section has seen an increase in the theft of lead the incidents of lead theft on the section compared to the rest of the county remains low. It is important to note that the figures also include scrap metal thefts.

“The majority of the lead thefts took place in isolated, rural locations.

“As part of the force-wide drive to reduce the theft of metal, we are working with partners and those groups and communities susceptible to this type of theft.

“Locally we are working with farms, landowners and churches to prevent thefts through the installation of the Stop that Thief alarm system.”

More information on the Stop that Thief scheme is available through the Bridport Section Safer Neighbourhood Teams, who can be contacted on 01305 222222 or via email at Tim.Poole@Dorset.pnn.police.uk