November 4, 2011
All Saints Church in Woodchurch which suffered water damage after thieves stole part of the lead roof Photo: CHRISTOPHER PLEDGER
The advice to cut back trees was given to churches by their insurers, Ecclesiastical, which faced claims of more than £22 million last year.
It has told churches that tall trees and thick foliage can act as a screen for gangs who are targeting lead roofs.
They are also being urged to lock their gates and even erect bollards to prevent cars and vans getting access to their grounds.
Churches are also being advised to use anti-climb paint and install CCTV to deter the gangs who have been cashing in on the soaring price of metal.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England voiced its dismay at the steps churches were having to take.
“Down the centuries and across rural England our churches have been at the centre and heart of the landscape,” a spokesman said.
“Often they have been the defining local landmark – tall spires framed by ancient trees against the background of blue sky.
“It’s therefore a tragedy that in order to save their roofs, churches are being forced to hack back and disfigure their neighbouring tress – some of which would have stood untouched since the day they were planted.
“Surely there is something else that can be done to protect against these thieves that doesn’t involve slashing into ancient oak trees?”
Despite the crime wave Ecclesiastical is trying to keep premiums down and has told churches that they can still leave their doors open, but has said it is advisable to have somebody present.
But a vicar whose church has been targeted three times in recent years says that it is impractical to leave the buildings open.
The Rev Gary Morgan of St Peter and St Paul Church in Algakirk, Lincolnshire was speaking after Saulius Ciuzas, 39, a Lithuanian responsible for plundering lead worth £10,000, was jailed for 12 months.
"Hopefully the fact that somebody has been caught will dissuade others, but it makes it impossible to leave our churches open, if they were they would be stripped bare.
“In town areas you have a chance, but in isolated places like Algakirk you have more chances of getting things nicked.”
Meanwhile in Marston, Oxfordshire, six members of the congregation of St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church have camped overnight.
Already they believe that one gang of thieves has been thwarted by their presence, according to Tikhon Vasilyed, 34, who was one of the volunteers.
"They tried to get in during the night – they looked like a serious gang who would do it professionally, so I was worried. But when they noticed me at the window they immediately fled."
However in Portsmouth weather vane dating back to 1904 has been stolen from the ceremonial garden at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
In Maidenhead a statue commemorating four schoolboys killed in a 1988 skiing accident was discovered in pieces by police.
The statue, which is now believed to be beyond repair, was about to be melted down. Three men, aged 31, 26 and 24, are being held by police in connection with the incident.