Witham: Damage to church after lead theft

We’re investigating the attempted theft of a large amount of lead from a church roof which took place in Witham in the early hours of Friday 10 March.

We were called shortly after 1am to St Nicolas' Church, in Chipping Hill.
It was reported that three men were disturbed while removing the lead and quickly fled the area.

The lead had been removed from the roof but was left behind at the scene.
As a result, a large amount of damage has been caused to the interior of the church because of overnight rainwater.

PC Dean Bell, of Braintree and Uttlesford Local Policing Team, said:

“This crime has caused significant damage to the church. Not only has a large quantity of lead been removed but due to the holes left, extensive damage has been caused by rainwater.
“The cost of the damage is expected to be well over £10,000.
“I would ask anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage of the area around the church, including Chipping Hill, Church Street and Chalks Road.”

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

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Please quote reference 42/42733/23 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.