Shropshire church battles against lead theft

A Shropshire church is installing an £8,000 safety system in the hope of deterring thieves from stealing lead from its roof.

The system, which has sensors and cameras on walls and the roof, is being installed at Tong Church.

The Archdeacon of Salop, John Hall, said there had been six such thefts from the church during the past three or four years.

He said many north Shropshire churches had suffered from lead thefts.

Financial difficulties

"It's a major problem," he said.

"The church is going through a difficult financial time.

"We are finding our congregations do not have the same amount of money to offer the church.

"But we have to do it, we are very vulnerable."