A CHURCH has been forced to dip into its development fund after thieves stole thousands of pounds of lead from its roof.
The lead, expected to cost £8,000 to £11,000 to replace, was stolen from Kingsdown Methodist Church, Kingsdown Avenue, West Ealing between Tuesday and Wednesday last week and insurers will only pay half the cost.
Just over a year ago the church was targeted by vandals who shot in the windows which cost £3,000 to replace.
Property warden Kenneth Pennells said: "Someone rang to say the tiles on the roof looked odd and at first we didn't think it was too bad. They must have gone up one side and thrown the lead into the garden. It is fairly easy to climb if you are agile. We asked around but no one saw anything.
"The insurers will only pay half because you are supposed to put stuff on which can be fingerprinted so we have to use the money we raised for our redevelopment programme. So that will put our plans back."
He said the cheaper estimate would mean replacing the roof with a new compound, rather than lead. He said: "It looks like lead, until you touch it so it would be left alone but it is traditional to have lead on church roofs."
Mr Pennells said they were all saddened at this cruel act, just before Christmas. He added: "I feel angry that someone could do this, but unfortunately it's life these days. No one has any respect for property. People expect it to happen."
The theft has been reported to Ealing police and the Walpole Safer Neighbourhood team will be meeting him to discuss prevention. A police spokeswoman said: "The neighbourhood team will be going to discuss the best ways to protect the roof such as how to stop people climbing up.
This does seem to be happening to a number of churches nationwide. Some have been affected in the area as well as Acton magistrates' court a few months ago."
Anyone who saw anything are asked to contact Walpole SNT on: 020 8721 2949.
