Church lead thieves escape empty handed thanks to vigilant neighbours

Thieves stripping lead off the roof of All Saints, Burbage, were so noisy that they awoke neighbours who alerted the police. Their prompt arrival resulted in the raiders escaping empty handed — even leaving their tools behind.

Churchwarden Joy Guy says: “We’re just thankful we have such vigilant – and lightly sleeping – neighbours at the church. It would seem the criminals ran off when they were disturbed but they have left a big mess.

“Luckily a builder has been able to make the church roof weatherproof for the time being.”