A CHURCH has been left with a huge repair bill after it was targeted by metal thieves for the fourth time.

Leaders at St Helen’s Church in Waddington have already forked out thousands of pounds in repairs from the thefts over the last 18 months.

Church officials said their insurance policy only covers one theft in a 12 month period, so they have had to find the money to repair the damage from other incidents.

In the latest theft thieves stole £3,000 worth of lead sheeting over the Bank Holiday weekend.

John Brocklehurst, vicar at the church in Edisford Road, said: “They are doing far more damage than they realise and ultimately they are making running the church extremely difficult and the effect that they are having on church members and parishioners is really demoralising.”

Thieves struck at the church, which dates back to 1435, overnight on May 30, stealing three foot wide lead sheeting, lead roofing panels and guttering.

The theft has left a 'gaping' hole in the church roof causing it to leak during wet weather.

“The last time they struck it was on the morning of a teenager’s funeral at the church. It is pretty appalling that they keep targeting us and we hope that the police are able to find the people that are responsible.” he added.

Now detectives have launched an investigation and believe that travelling criminals are responsible for the theft.

Sgt Graham Marshall, of Clitheroe Police, said: "With lead and other valuable metals fetching high prices on world markets there has been an increase in this type of crime across Lancashire.

“It is outrageous that they are targeting religious buildings and we would urge anyone with information to come forward immediately."

Police are linking a number of incidents including the theft of an iron garden roller worth £100 from Hippings Way, Clitheroe, on May 31, between 11am and 6pm, and the attempted theft of a wrought iron gate from a house in Clitheroe Road, Whalley on the same day.

In January, it was revealed that lead thieves had cost churches across East Lancashire more than £310,000 in the past four years.

Theft of metal has risen by 150 per cent in the past two years nationally after demand from emerging countries such as China and India caused prices to rocket.