2:45pm Wednesday 11th November 2009
By Andy Carswell
THE Rector of Chalfont St Giles Parish Church says he is “frustrated and disappointed” after lead was stolen from the church roof.
Thieves climbed onto the roof of the 12th century church building in Deanway in the early hours of Sunday November 2 and started removing lead before setting off an alarm.
Rev Tim Stacey said it was the fourth attempted theft at the church in the last 18 months.
He said: “We are all frustrated and disappointed that people choose to steal lead off a Grade One listed building, and a church at that.
“One roll of lead was taken from the ridge of the porch. They started to work on other stuff but the ridge is the only bit that's unaccounted for. It was obvious they were about to start on other bits."
Rev Stacey said “minor damage” had been caused to the church.
He added: “When the price of lead went sky high 18 months ago, a lot of churches had a lot of problems. We had two attempts about a year ago within a week or two of each other, then none for quite a long while.”
Police are currently investigating the theft. Anyone with information can contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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