NORTH Wales Police are urging residents to help fight against metal thieves.
Over recent months, schools and churches as well as other public buildings have been targeted by thieves stealing lead.
A recent case includes a theft in August when offenders stole £10,000 worth of lead from the roof of St Asaph Cathedral and new figures show metal thefts from churches in Wales has risen more than five-fold in the last two years.
“Over the past two years, the problem of metal theft across the country has grown, as the commodity price of various metals has increased due to supply shortages and the increased demand,” said detective inspector Simon Williams.
According to Ecclesiastical Insurance, there were less than 10 metal theft claims in Wales in 2009, compared to more than 50 in 2011.
The insurers say claims by churches in Wales in the last five years total nearly £400,000.
The campaign has included days of action across the force area to tackle and target those who continue to steal metal and cabling along with any scrap metal dealers who may trade in stolen metals.
“Only recently, over 50 officers from the force and partner agencies undertook an operation at two scrap metal processing plants in Gwynedd.
“The operation codenamed ‘Operation Maidu’ succeeded with the confiscation of aluminium and copper cabling worth between £3,000 and £4,000,” added Mr Williams.
There have been further operations in south Denbighshire and police are committed to ensuring that this action will continue.
“If we are to reduce the number of thefts, it is essential that scrap yards refuse to accept metal and cabling that has been stolen.
“That is why part of our strategy is also to work with scrap dealers to ensure that offenders do not use them as an avenue to dispose of their stolen goods.”
In March 2011 six tombs at Llanarmon yn Ial were found open after metal thieves were looking for lead/lime coffins.
“It’s disgusting,” said church warden George Flanagan.
“There are around six of them that were damaged – three of them worse than others – which have had the tops taken off, so the sides have fallen in and broken.
“It is possible they were looking for lead/lined coffins, but the bodies are buried six feet under, so they won’t find any lead or artefacts in the tombs themselves.
“They are nothing more than grave robbers,” he added.
The theft of cabling and metal can have a knock on effect on communities and can causes disruption to people’s lives.
Schools can be affected and such thefts can also have an impact on public services such as phone lines, power and train journeys.
Residents and visitors should report any suspicious behaviour to police by calling 0845 607 1002 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.