Historic churches in Staffordshire and Wyre Forest struck by thieves who made off with £500k haul over last year
Historic churches in Staffordshire, Shropshire and Wyre Forest were among many struck by thieves snatching silverware, metal and cash.
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Worshippers at sites including Shrewsbury Abbey; Christ Church and St Chad’s churches in Lichfield; while St Mary’s Church in Stone and St Cassians, in Chaddesley Corbett both near Kidderminster were among those reporting thefts and damage.
Ecclesiastical Insurance said places of worship have long been targeted by thieves often for lead and copper from church roofs, and revealed how more than £500,000 worth of silver was stolen from church premises in the past 12 months. Other missing items include cash, statues, artwork, furniture and even paving stones.
In February this year metal thieves stripped a 10-foot length of lightning conductor from St Mary's in Stone Hill, in Stone near Kidderminster.
In December and January, St Cassian’s, The Village, Chaddesley Corbett also in Wyre Forest suffered attacks by thieves who climbed onto the vestry roof in a bid to steal lead resulting in damage to the stained glass window above the chapel when trying to rip off the flashing.
