Norwich summit to tackle church lead thieves
Lead thieves targeted the church at Carelton Forehoe last month, causing damage which will cost £30,000 to repair. Picture: Simon Finlay - Credit: SIMON FINLAY
Criminal gangs have targeted a string of historic churches across the region.
Congregations are left facing a bill for tens of thousands, not only to replace the lead but to repair the damage raids cause to ancient buildings.
Now the Diocese of Norwich is hosting a one-day conference at Norwich Cathedral, which it hopes will help churches avoid becoming victims of crime.
'It's going to be covering the kinds of things the police are recommending,' said Caroline Rawlings, the diocese's church development officer.
'Hedgerows, gates locked, locking the church at night, different types of alarm systems. We can't protect them any other way now, it's got to be alarms and CCTV systems.'
The seminar is being held on Monday, July 11. The agenda includes improving communications between parishes and police, updates on recent thefts, guidance on alternative roofing materials and security systems. Contributors will include the police, Ecclesiastical Insurance, Historic England and alarm and security firms.
It's being held on Monday, July 11 (9.30am – 2pm), at the Weston Room, Norwich Cathedral NR1 4D.
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To book, contact Margaret Mallett on 01603 882359 or e-mail margaret.mallett@dioceseofnorwich.org.
