Thieves targeted Stoke Minster in the early hours of Sunday 18th April 2010, the cost of the damage has yet to be assessed, but estimates suggest it could be as much as £30,000. Police were called to the church in St Peter's Close, Stoke, at 2.45am after a member of the public reported seeing suspicious activity. Officers arrested five men, aged between 17 and 25, although they have been bailed pending further inquiries until May 11. Police also seized four vehicles from the surrounding area which are thought to have been connected to the theft and damage. The Reverend David Lingwood, rector at Stoke Minster, said: "I arrived at church at about 9.15am on Monday and saw a rope hanging from the parapet, and thought 'That isn't good'. Then we got the call from the police. "An architect has been up to have a look, but we are not sure exactly what the damage is yet. "Someone has said £30,000, but we're not sure how accurate that is. "We can't be here 24 hours a day, so rely on people passing by or our neighbours to keep an eye out. We are grateful to the person who called the police." In 2007, churches in the Diocese of Lichfield, which includes Stoke Minster, started using SmartWater to combat thieves after the number of incidents rose to record levels. The non-hazardous liquid contains a DNA-style forensic code which means metal can be traced back to the church it came from, making it difficult for thieves to dispose of it. Gavin Drake, diocese director of communications, said: "There has been a dramatic fall in the number of thefts from our churches since SmartWater was introduced, and the public are more aware that churches are targeted. "It can be costly, so if anyone sees any suspicious activity at a church, or sees work being carried out they are not aware of, we would ask them to contact the police."
THE CHURCH ROOF
We are launching an appeal for the roof fund. Although we are fully insured, the insurance company will only pay out £5,000 on metal theft. The cost of the work will be over £30,000.
Please pray for the future of our church.
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