Lead thieves in third raid on parish church

St Nicholas' at Bawtry was targeted for the third time this summer when the gang removed lead that had only recently been laid on the vestry roof to replace what was previously stolen.

A resident who spotted the robbers called the police but the attackers made off with their haul.

Churches, domestic properties and business premises have been the continuing target of thieves over the past few months and the bill nationwide is now estimated at more than 1 million.

St Nicholas' is not the only church site in Doncaster to fall victim to raiders this month.

St Mary's at Tickhill also suffered a similar raid at a time when the parishioners are trying to pay for other essential maintenance.

A quantity of 20 square metres of sheet lead, lead fall pipes and guttering were stolen from the roof of the chapel on July 21.

Earlier this year the copper lightning conductors were stolen from the church.

The crime comes at a time when Tickhill residents are working hard to raise money for the Heritage Appeal.

It was launched by the Bishop of Doncaster and local actress Jean Fergusson, to carry out essential repair work on the roof at St Mary's Church.

Other churches which have been attacked by thieves stealing metal have included Doncaster Minster, and several more parish churches in Wheatley.

Doncaster also hit the national headlines when metal thieves made off with dozens of grid covers from the gutters around Hatfield.

Police have launched investigations into the raids across the borough.

"Doncaster police are working with local scrap metal merchants to tackle this issue," said Doncaster police communications officer Lindsay Rust.