Overnight police patrols in Melton area in bid to catch church metal theft gang

Police were patrolling the rural area around Melton Mowbray overnight as part of a crackdown on church metal thefts.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Mar 2016, 12:08 BST
Updated 11th Mar 2016, 12:11 BST
Officers have been involved in rural area patrols as part of a crackdown on church metal thefts. Photo: Melton Police 1vy4zEhEap_6XvmKpxTW 1vy4zEhEap_6XvmKpxTWOfficers have been involved in rural area patrols as part of a crackdown on church metal thefts. Photo: Melton Police 1vy4zEhEap_6XvmKpxTW 1vy4zEhEap_6XvmKpxTW
Officers have been involved in rural area patrols as part of a crackdown on church metal thefts. Photo: Melton Police 1vy4zEhEap_6XvmKpxTW 1vy4zEhEap_6XvmKpxTW

As reported by the Melton Times, a number of churches in the area have been targeted by thieves who have caused tens of thousands of pounds of damage by stripping off lead and copper.

Local beat officer for Melton Pc John Scott told the Times this week that patrols would be stepped up “around churches that are identified as being vulnerable at night”.

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These photos were posted by Melton Police on its Facebook page this morning, stating: “Overnight targeted patrols completed to combat #churchmetalthefts by the Eastern Counties Neighbourhood Priority Team last night. Pleasing to see some churches are already prepared for potential criminals with Smart Water technology and roof alarms!”

The six lead and copper thefts reported in the Melton area so far since the start of the year have been linked by police. Click here for more on the story.