6:46pm Wednesday 10th March 2010
THE congregation of St Mary’s Church in Launton, near Bicester, has been left with a bill for £35,000 after the roof was stripped of lead.
The thieves took £40,000-worth of metal, but because of a nationwide rise in lead thefts, insurers will only pay out a maximum of £5,000.
The theft follows a similar raid in September when £5,000-worth of lead was taken.
Vicar Margaret Mullins said the whole village had been left shocked.
She said: “We are devastated.
“I noticed some odd markings on the path and at first I just thought they had come from a new headstone being delivered to the churchyard.
“But when I looked up I could see damage to the lead, and when my husband went to investigate he saw a lot had been stolen.”
Mrs Mullins said fundraising plans to refurbish stonework at the church would now have to be put on hold.
She said: “We had planned a number of events but we will now need to reassess where we stand because this is a more pressing matter.”
Police urged anyone with information to call them on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/trade_directory/