A CATHEDRAL has been targeted by metal thieves for the second time in three years.
St Asaph Cathedral had an estimated £10,000 of lead stolen from its roof during the attack on August 11.
While police have launched an investigation into the latest theft, church officials have revealed there has been a spate of similar thefts in Mold and Bistre, between Buckley and Mold, in the past ten days.
Michael Balkwill, Residentiary Canon at St Asaph Cathedral, said: “The Cathedral community in St Asaph is shocked to have been targeted by lead thieves yet again, along with other churches in north Wales.”
Mr Balkwill drew comparisons between the actions of the metal thieves and gangs of rioters and looters who took over parts of the UK’s major cities.
“This is another sad example of how some people are prepared to put personal gain, above and beyond respect for others and their property, and in this case, a House of God,” he said.
“This incident, however, helps us to focus our prayers even more on the victims of crime, including those whose homes, possessions and livelihood have been destroyed by the selfish and mindless actions of others in recent days.”
Places of worship have now been urged to step-up security.
One method being promoted to tackle the spate of thefts is an invisible liquid that can be applied to help stolen goods be returned to their owners.
SmartWater is a forensic liquid that assigns your valuables with their own unique forensic code, which is checked by police regularly and is known throughout the criminal fraternity.
North Wales Police are appealing for anyone with information about the lead thefts to get in touch with them by calling 101 or leaving information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.