Appeal after lead is stolen from roof of Wirral church (From Wirral Globe)

Appeal after lead is stolen from roof of Wirral church

11:08am Friday 14th September 2012 in News Exclusive By Craig Manning

WARDENS from a Wirral church are appealling for the public’s help after thieves stripped lead from its vestry roof.

The vandalism, which took place at St Nicholas with All Saints Church in Wallasey, was discovered by vicar Jeff Staples when he went into the vestry on Wednesday evening to prepare for a wedding rehersal. He found his room in the vestry flooded where rain had poured in through the roof.

Police are investigating the incident, which is believed to have taken place sometime on Monday or Tuesday evening.

Church warden Beverley Brunskill told the Globe: “The thieves are effectively destroying a very beautiful building, Grade II listed, that has served this community for one hundred years and memories of all who have had batisms, weddings and funerals here.

“A lovely oak table was damaged also several books including the church register. Also the carpet was soaked.

“We have had roofers put felt and polythene up but we are very concerned this will leak in ruin a wonderful piece of architecture.

“It would be a tremendous help if people could keep an eye one the church and if they see anything untoward, contact the police.

“Also if anyone did see anything suspicious this week please could they let Jeff Staples know tel: 0151 639 3589.”

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm a report was received on Thursday, September 13 that lead had been stolen from the roof of a church in Wallasey.

"Due to the escalating value of metals such as lead and copper, they have become attractive to thieves who are then exchanging them for cash. Churches and other religious buildings can often be attractive to metal thieves.

"These types of theft can prove incredibly costly, not only to replace the missing lead and to repair the damage caused to roofs but it's also possible that further damage is caused to the building in terms of items inside being ruined by the rain.

"This can have a negative impact on the local communities who use these buildings for a variety of reasons including baptising their children, getting married and saying goodbye to loved ones.

"In some cases these buildings have to be closed whilst repairs take place.

"When people steal lead, it causes damage many times over what they are stealing is worth. It is local people who end up having to bear the cost.

“It is a crime that has a devastating impact on the people and communities that support our churches and depend on them in their everyday lives.

"The community are our eyes and ears and by sharing information and intelligence we can target those involved in this crime and bring them to justice."