A VILLAGE church, still making repairs after lead thieves caused £80,000 of damage two years ago, has been targeted again.

It is the fifth time in five years that St Peter’s Church, in Croft-on-Tees, near Darlington, has fallen foul of criminals and follows a spate of lead thefts in and around the area.

The theft of metal guttering and lead comes two years after thieves caused substantial damage on the roof, an incident which the church council is still trying to repair.

Les Baker, secretary of the parochial church council, described the thefts as “sickening” and warned other churches in the region to be on guard.

Officers from the police intelligence unit in Darlington said they had noticed a spike in metal thefts, particularly those targeting lead, in recent weeks and appealed for residents to report any suspicious behaviour.

The theft at St Peter’s took place between 6pm on Thursday, April 25, and 10am on Friday, April 26, from the lower front roof of the church, which is in full display of the A167 running through the village.

The incident is being investigated by North Yorkshire Police which has asked witnesses to come forward.

Mr Baker said: “We still haven’t got the roof repaired after lead was stolen two years ago.

“We don’t know how much has been taken yet this time because we need to get someone up there. It means that we now have to start raising money to repair the roof again.

"Last time it cost us about £80,000 – lead is expensive stuff.

“It’s sickening. People have been ringing me about what is happening and I just feel sick telling them.”

The lead from the roof of St Peter’s had been marked with Smartwater, a unique identifying marker that Mr Baker hopes will help to track down the thieves.

DS Alfie Keane, from the Darlington police intelligence unit at, said thieves had been targeting properties for small amounts of lead, such as the flashing from bay windows.

He said: “We would urge people to report any suspicious activity so officers can go and check what they are doing.

"They are targeting anything that can be carried off easily from homes and businesses.”

To report suspicious behaviour or to ask for crime prevention advice, call the non-emergency 101 number.

Anyone with information about the Croft theft is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for PC Helen Lavender.