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UK News

Church robbed for second time in a week

by Hannah Tooley

The Lynn News reported that this is the fourth theft from the St Mary's Church in nine months. It is estimated that thieves have stolen around £30,000 worth of metal from the buildings since last summer.

It has been reported that police officers have increased night patrols and are following up "a number of lines of enquiry" to catch those responsible.

The rector of St Mary's, Canon Stuart Nairn, said the latest theft on Sunday night was demoralising.

He said: "I'm at a loss for words, it's just unbelievable.

"They stole some (lead) last night (Sunday), and they stole some the previous Sunday. Who knows what they'll take this Sunday."

The two most recent thefts followed the replacement of lead that had been stolen in July and August last year after the community have saved up to pay for the repairs. It was reported that the bill was paid on Wednesday.

Canon Stuart Nairn said the church are looking for replacement materials as an alternative to lead, however these are more expensive than the lead.

He added he fears the village's population of just 25 people will not be able to fund the repairs and conservative members may not wish to use different materials.

Canon Stuart Nairn mentioned that funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund was "nigh on impossible" for their small community to meet the requirements: "I'm not sure where we go from here, I really don't."

Another church in the area was targeted between Friday and Sunday. Lead from the roof estimated at around £10,000 was taken from All Saints Church in East Barsham.

Sergeant Toby Gosden, Crime Manager for North Norfolk and Broadland said: "We are actively targeting our patrols around rural churches in hours of darkness to try and deter offenders, as well as following up a number of lines of enquiry to catch those responsible."

The church is the third in England to be targeted since the end of January. 

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