While Britain’s churches have been struggling to protect themselves against criminals stealing lead from their roofs, churches in one part of the country are facing another crime wave: the theft of expensive stone roof tiles.
According to new figures released by specialist church insurer Ecclesiastical, half of all churches that have made insurance claims for the loss of stone roof tiles over the last two years are in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol. This is the region of the UK where valuable Cotswold stone tiles are a traditional roofing material costing £2,000-£5,000 to cover a square 10 ft by 10 ft.
Of the 48 churches to have claimed for theft of stone roof tiles from March 2009 to the end of this April, 24 were in Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Claims tend to range from a few thousand pounds up to £20,000 for a larger theft.
John Coates, Ecclesiastical’s director of Direct Insurance Services said: “Cotswold stone tiles are an attractive and highly sought-after roofing material. They’re also quite expensive in comparison with other roofing materials, hence there’s a buoyant market in reclaimed tiles.
“Churches around Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol and clearly being targeted for their Cotswold stone tile roofs. Thieves tend to take the lower tiles, which might be accessible from the ground or a step ladder – the tiles on porches, lych gates and the eaves. However, in some cases it’s the ridge tiles that are the target.”
Ecclesiastical is urging churches in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and parts of Bristol to be particularly vigilant if their roofs are made of Cotswold stone tiles and consider applying SmartWater. John Coates explained: “SmartWater is a colourless liquid that can be applied to stone and metal, which leaves a chemical fingerprint that police can trace. Using SmartWater and displaying the signage provided with the kits so that criminals know the church has been marked also acts as a strong deterrent. We’re encouraging churches with expensive stone roofing tiles to apply Smartwater to some of their tiles so that, if they are stolen and recovered, police can use the Smartwater evidence to help get a conviction.”
If not detected quickly, the theft of roof tiles can allow rainwater into the church, creating further damage and expense.
Source : Ecclesiastical
