English Heritage publishes lead theft guidance

English Heritage has issued specific guidance on metal theft in view of the intensification of the problem in recent months, particularly on lead roofs on churches.

The guidance highlights the importance of prevention and the need to use a combination of security measures to deter thieves. Many of the options suggested are low cost but effective measures like locking gates to prevent vehicles getting close, preventing easy access to roofs such as removing water butts, waste bins, applying anti-climb paint to drain pipes and roof guttering, and erecting prominent warning signs.

If the roof or parts of it has been stolen, the guidance emphasises that like-for-like replacement is English Heritage’s starting position but it also makes clear the conditions under which alternative materials can be considered and used by local authorities and owners on a case by case basis.

The guidance says: “English Heritage will continue to encourage the use of authentic and appropriate metals particularly on roofs. However, there will be instances when a change of material will be accepted; examples include a building that has already been a target and there is no reasonable way of implementing preventative measures. Each case will be considered on its merits.”

The guidance also points out that while stainless steel is currently about 40-50% cheaper than lead, the extra work required to make them fit into a roof with traditional detailing often outweighs the price difference between the two materials.

Bill Martin, Director of Conservation at English Heritage, said: “Many churches are struggling with finances and we have never underestimated the burden that lead theft has brought them. I think most people treasure authentic material and do not want to lose it if they can avoid it. The guidance aims to give as much pragmatic advice as possible to help prevent the ultimate loss of our much loved heritage, and helps people to do the right thing if changes are necessary.”

Ecclesiastical, the insurers of over 95% of Anglican churches, have paid claims costing more than £9 million for metal theft in 2008 to date and paid £9 million for 2,300 claims in 2007.  Church insurance manager John Coates said: “Churches continue to be plagued by metal theft. We have been fighting for over 18 months to give churches every means to protect themselves. Many churches are listening, but many are still dangerously vulnerable. In some circumstances the only solution is to take temptation away and replace with an alternative material. It’s a difficult balance to strike: we want to preserve and protect our historic churches for the future, but we also want to ensure that metal theft doesn’t force them to close.”