Lancashire Police report that they have been working with churches in Chorley to help prevent them from becoming a victim of lead theft. Officers have been visiting churches to raise awareness of an increase in such crime and, in instances where lead has been stolen, replacing it with a product that has no monetary value.
Adlington community beat manager PC Matthew Lee said: "We will be increasing patrols around vulnerable premises to prevent further thefts in the area.
"We would remind churches to be extra vigilant in relation to this type of crime, especially owners of older properties which may have lead on the roof, and we would ask residents to report any suspicious activity to us. Churches can also look at their CCTV, security lighting and apply anti-vandal paint to help prevent them from being targeted."
The action comes after St Joseph’s Church on Bolton Road in Anderton had around 350ft of lead stolen from its roof.
PC Kev Loughlin said: "This was a heartless crime involving such a historical building in a small community. I would urge anyone with any information to contact us and help us to progress our investigation."
The theft took place between 6pm on 8 May and 5pm on 10 May. No arrests have been made but inquiries are continuing.
