Lead thieves strike in dead of night

Published on 3rd May 2007 in News

Thieves tried to steal lead from the church roof in Airmyn but escaped empty-handed.

Witnesses are urgently sought this week after a large amount of lead was stolen from buildings in High Street, Airmyn at the weekend.

Thieves stole the lead flashing from the roofs of two coach-houses in High Street in the early hours of Saturday, April 28, before making their way to St David's Church where they unsuccessfully attempted to steal more lead flashing. One of the coach-houses belongs to the church, whilst the other is owned by a local farmer.

This week, Rev Geoff Hollingsworth, the vicar of Airmyn, Hook and Rawcliffe churches, appealed for any members of the public with any information to come forward and contact the police.

He said: "Although thieves only attempted to steal lead from the church roof, there has been some damage to it. They peeled back the lead and now there is a slight hole there above the organ loft.

"If anyone saw anything suspicious, I would ask them to contact Humberside Police."

The theft is the latest in a series of similar crimes in the East and South Yorkshire areas. In February this year, a large amount of lead was stolen from the roof of Snaith Priory Church, and thieves made two visits to a church in Hatfield, South Yorkshire to steal lead around the same time.

"This hasn't happened before at the church in Airmyn, but thieves hit the church in Rawcliffe twice earlier in the year for lead," added Rev Hollingsworth.

A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: "Lead is worth quite a lot at the moment and it appears that thieves have been stealing it so that they can sell it on.

"If anybody in the area saw anyone acting suspiciously then we ask that they contact us."

Anyone with further information should contact Humberside Police on 0845 6060222, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.