ST MARY’S in Puddletown is the latest church to be targeted by lead thieves.

A number of churches and other buildings have been raided lately, with the high price of scrap metal believed to be a factor.

The thieves who raided the Puddletown church made off with four strips of lead worth little in value but caused damage costing over £10,000.

It is the second time the church, which dates back to the 12th century, has been hit this year after a similar raid just before Easter caused £6,600 worth of damage.

Vice-chairman of the Parochial Church Council Jim Wilson said the latest theft, which they believed took place on Saturday night, meant heavy rain came in through the roof to cause significant damage to the walls and a children’s play area below.

He said: “There was water pouring down through the top and we were emptying buckets continuously.

“The effect of the water coming in caused the plaster to fall off – you can’t do anything until it dries and that will take months. We think the repair cost will be over £10,000.”

Mr Wilson said the cost of the last lead theft had been covered by insurance but the church would have to bear the latest expense.

The blow comes just after the church successfully raised £120,000 for repairs to the tower and clock faces.

Mr Wilson said: “The four sheets probably won’t be worth much but it means endless costs for the repairs.”

The church’s lead is protected by invisible Smartwater paint that means it can be identified and this week Mr Wilson said they were installing a new hi-tech alarm system.

Other churches in Dorset have also been targeted for their lead including the Grade I listed church at Sydling St Nicholas and the 13th century St Mary’s Church in Piddlehinton.

Earlier this month thieves caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage at All Saints Church in Wyke Regis when they stole lead from the roof.

In June representatives from church communities attended a meeting with police in Dorchester where they were warned the rising price of metal was believed to be responsible for an increase in thefts from churches and were given advice on how to protect their buildings.

Inspector Les Fry said: “Rural crime has been a problem and is still a priority to us.

“We would ask anybody in rural areas to please monitor and keep an eye on areas of significant interest where there is metal and other precious items and if they see anything to please call the police.”

Witnesses to the Puddletown lead theft are asked to contact the officer in the case PC Melanie Caldow on 01305 222222.