Case Studies

Stone theft

by Mark Rowe

The number of reported incidents of stone theft from church buildings and land has been rising over recent months. Specialist faith insurer Ecclesiastical offers guidance to churches to prevent further stone thefts. Pictured: Cubley church, Derbyshire.

Mark Matthews, Ecclesiastical’s Risk Management Director said: “We have seen a rise in reports of stone thefts from church buildings and grounds due to the increased value of the material for interior decoration. It is very disappointing to see thefts of stone from consecrated grounds without consideration of the damage or cost being inflicted on the Church.”

To counteract this trend, Ecclesiastical has partnered with SmartWater, the forensic liquid product firm. Its marking product has been used to identify stolen lead. This weather-resistant liquid, that is virtually impossible to remove, means any stolen materials can be linked back to their owner.

Matthews added: “SmartWater has already played a role in reducing thefts and was crucial in recently reducing incidents of stone theft in West Yorkshire, a region specifically affected by this issue. We consider this to be a real benefit to our customers and encourage them to mark all stone items within their grounds.”

He recommends that churches review their security procedures to ensure that they are taking appropriate precautions and to reduce the risk of such thefts:

Engage with local neighbours, asking them to keep and extra watch over the church premises, reporting any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Take a note of the vehicle registration number of vehicles involved.

Communicate with your neighbours, send flyers telling them they will be informed if any work is planned at the church. Often, offenders appear to be genuine contractors wearing high-vis jackets and using builders’ vans.

Review security to the churchyard perimeter. Ensure all gates are locked when the church is locked.

Mark all stonework with SmartWater and make sure you have registered the product.

Ensure you display the SmartWater signage that comes with your kit – this acts as a deterrent for would-be thieves.

Work with local police and ask your community support police officer to include the church in their daily duties.

Share your actions with the local press to spread the story to act as a deterrent.

If you have purchased a bottle of SmartWater to protect lead roofing or other metals, then the same bottle of solution can also be used to mark flagstones and dry stone walls.

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