Churches offered help to stop metal thefts

May 9 2008 Chester Chronicle

ADVICE on how to foil scrap snatchers is being offered to Chester churches.

Thefts of lead, copper and other metals is on the rise thanks to the increased value of scrap metal.

Chester University students Emma Moore and Steven McMullin have been investigating ways of protecting buildings from thieves.

They are hosting a meeting at All Saints Church, Hoole, to raise awareness of thefts involving lead and other metals.

Steven said: “We are halfway through our placement at the moment and have seen the effect lead thefts can have on people.

“We have been working closely with Sergeant Dave Snasdell to look at ways of helping people deter thieves.

“We noticed that in many cases churches and other places of worship had been targeted and thought it would be great to try to get leaders from these communities involved in the event.

“Not only can they look to protect their buildings from thieves, they can spread the word to hundreds more people.”

Emma added: “We want the meeting to be informative, but also quite informal. People will be given the chance to ask questions about how to improve security and we are hoping to have some demonstration of systems such as Smartwater which can make life extremely difficult for criminals.”

The meeting has been praised by Sgt Snasdell who has been forefront in Cheshire Police’s work against metal theft.

He said: “I know both Emma and Steven are looking to join the police when they finish at university and if they carry on as they are going they would be a great addition.

“The work they are putting in to get this meeting off the ground is staggering and I welcome any efforts which further raise awareness around a crime that is affecting more and more people every day.”

The meeting is at All Saints Church, at 6pm on Wednesday, May 14.

For more information ring 0845 458 0000 and ask to speak to a crime reduction advisor.