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| Church metal thefts in Wales rise five-fold in two years | Church metal thefts in Wales rise five-fold in two years |
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| The number of metal thefts from churches in Wales has risen more than five-fold in the last two years, figures show. | The number of metal thefts from churches in Wales has risen more than five-fold in the last two years, figures show. |
| According to Ecclesiastical Insurance, there were less than 10 metal theft claims in Wales in 2009, compared to more than 50 already this year. | According to Ecclesiastical Insurance, there were less than 10 metal theft claims in Wales in 2009, compared to more than 50 already this year. |
| The insurers say claims by churches in Wales in the last five years total nearly £400,000. | The insurers say claims by churches in Wales in the last five years total nearly £400,000. |
| Andrew Jones, Archdeacon of Meirionydd, said it was an "enormous problem". | Andrew Jones, Archdeacon of Meirionydd, said it was an "enormous problem". |
| Figures show fluctuations over recent years, which Ecclesiastical Insurance says corresponds to the price of metal. | Figures show fluctuations over recent years, which Ecclesiastical Insurance says corresponds to the price of metal. |
| In 2007, there were 30 metal theft claims by churches in Wales, and 50 in 2008. | In 2007, there were 30 metal theft claims by churches in Wales, and 50 in 2008. |
| The number dropped to less than 10 in 2009 - as worldwide metal prices dropped - but then rose dramatically the following year to more than 40, and this year there have already been more than 50. | The number dropped to less than 10 in 2009 - as worldwide metal prices dropped - but then rose dramatically the following year to more than 40, and this year there have already been more than 50. |
| Claims totalled more than £100,000 in 2007, nearly £130,000 in 2008 and nearly £20,000 in 2009. | Claims totalled more than £100,000 in 2007, nearly £130,000 in 2008 and nearly £20,000 in 2009. |
| Last year the cost was more than £40,000 and up until the end of last month, the cost for 2011 is nearly £110,000. | Last year the cost was more than £40,000 and up until the end of last month, the cost for 2011 is nearly £110,000. |
| Among the biggest claims was for nearly £53,000 after metal was stolen from St John the Baptist Church in Penymynydd, Flintshire, in 2007. | Among the biggest claims was for nearly £53,000 after metal was stolen from St John the Baptist Church in Penymynydd, Flintshire, in 2007. |
| Archdeacon Jones said it was an "enormous problem throughout Britain", where more than 7,000 churches had been targeted by metal thieves, with more than £21m claimed. | Archdeacon Jones said it was an "enormous problem throughout Britain", where more than 7,000 churches had been targeted by metal thieves, with more than £21m claimed. |
| He said: "In Wales, during the same period, about 125 churches have been targeted and almost £400,000 claimed and lost." | He said: "In Wales, during the same period, about 125 churches have been targeted and almost £400,000 claimed and lost." |
| He said the thefts often caused damp and water damage, adding: "There was a case recently of someone stealing a lightning conductor and taking a quarter of the tower down with them at the same time. | He said the thefts often caused damp and water damage, adding: "There was a case recently of someone stealing a lightning conductor and taking a quarter of the tower down with them at the same time. |
| "So, you steal one thing and it has a knock-on effect on the building." | "So, you steal one thing and it has a knock-on effect on the building." |
| He said many churches were now using Smartwater, an invisible liquid that leaves a traceable DNA on metal to help stolen goods make it back to their owners. | He said many churches were now using Smartwater, an invisible liquid that leaves a traceable DNA on metal to help stolen goods make it back to their owners. |
| He added: "I think one of the most important things is just vigilance, neighbourhood watch - making sure that if you are passing a church, keep an eye on it, particularly those who live close to the church. | He added: "I think one of the most important things is just vigilance, neighbourhood watch - making sure that if you are passing a church, keep an eye on it, particularly those who live close to the church. |
| "I think we need to make sure that we don't make it easy for those who steal metal." | "I think we need to make sure that we don't make it easy for those who steal metal." |
| A spokeswoman for Ecclesiastical Insurance said: "The number of claims is quite strongly related to the price of metal in world markets. | A spokeswoman for Ecclesiastical Insurance said: "The number of claims is quite strongly related to the price of metal in world markets. |
| "In 2009, the price dropped, and so did demand, and the number of claims. | |
| "It's a pattern we see across the country. | "It's a pattern we see across the country. |
| "Last year the price started creeping up again." | "Last year the price started creeping up again." |
| In August, about £10,000 worth of lead was stolen from the roof of St Asaph Cathedral in Denbighshire - the second theft in three years. | In August, about £10,000 worth of lead was stolen from the roof of St Asaph Cathedral in Denbighshire - the second theft in three years. |
| Canon Michael Balkwill said it was "another sad example" of how some were prepared to put personal gain above respect for others and their property. | Canon Michael Balkwill said it was "another sad example" of how some were prepared to put personal gain above respect for others and their property. |