But crackdown on scrap metal dealers has seen number of thefts drop
Thieves have stolen more than £34,000 worth of property from churches across North Wales over the last six years figures have revealed.
They have stolen 735 items from chapels and places of worship including religious items, antiques, computers, radios, telephones, household goods and garden equipment.
But the number of thefts across the region has dropped dramatically since 2011 when there were 194, with nearly £19,000 worth stolen, down to 75 incidents in 2016, with property valued at £490 in total taken.
Church chiefs believe a main cause in the decrease could be the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers’ Bill in February 2013.
Chapels were often targeted for lead, steel and copper, which was then sold on to dealers.
But the act forced scrap metal dealers to be licenced, verify the identity of sellers and record cashless transactions, making it easier to trace metal thefts.
Police bosses also say they have been working with churches to increase security and provide crime prevention at religious sites.
Wrexham had the highest number of thefts over the period, according to figures under a Freedom of Information request, with 111.
Conwy was second with 98, Flintshire third with 92, Denbighshire fourth with 79, Gwynedd fifth with 78 and Anglesey sixth with 29.
A Church in Wales spokesperson said: “Our churches are community buildings and it is distressing to everyone when they are broken into and damaged. Lead theft can cause considerable damage and expense, particularly in historic buildings.
“We are pleased to see a drop in the number of crimes but we continue to urge our churches to take all the security precautions they can and we appeal to everyone in the community to be vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour to the police.”
Last August thieves stole a collection box from the St Cybi’s medieval church in Holyhead after a break-in.
While in July 2015, the altar cross from Britain’s smallest chapel, St Trillo in Rhos on Sea, was pinched.
Det Chief Inspector Neil Harrison of North Wales Police said; “There has been a real drive to ensure that places of worship do not become subject of crime and to ensure that the buildings and the property within are secure.
“This work together with legislation introduced to control the disposal of scrap mental, has without doubt resulted in the some significant reductions in offences, making the premises and the communities visiting them feel safer, in line with our commitment to a safer North Wales.
“These buildings remain at the very heart of our communities and is vital that the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious circumstances to police on 101.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/property-worth-34000-stolen-north-12487153
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