LEAD thieves have caused around £40,000 worth of damage to a Crossgar property and stripped lead flashing from a Kilclief church.
In one of the biggest thefts of its kind in the district, the Grade B listed and European Heritage building on Crossgar’s Ballynahinch Road was targeted in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The building is understood to be an old flour mill.
At around 3.40am thieves stole the lead from the roof of the building, also damaging security cameras, a field gate and window.
Due to the inclement weather a considerable amount of water damage was also caused to the inside wood and plaster work.
The total approximate value of the theft and damage is considered to be between £26, 000 and £41,000 at this stage.
On Sunday it was discovered thieves had stolen lead flashing from St. Malachy’s Parish Church in Kilclief outside Strangford. It is thought this was stolen over the previous few days.
Parish Priest, the Very Rev. Colm McGrady, said they were alerted on Sunday by what appeared to be damage over the church porch.
He said estimates on the amount of damage caused had yet to be provided but that he expected it was a more “low-key” burglary.
Nevertheless, Father McGrady said parishioners were distressed by the attack.
“Parishioners are shaken that such an act of vandalism has occurred to a church,” he said. “It has never happened before and is uncharacteristic of the area.
“It is more of a major inconvenience.”
The value of lead has quadrupled over the past four years due to increased demand from China and domestic demand for lead in vehicle batteries, trucks, computer and glass.
Police are appealing for anyone who knows anything about the thefts and damage or who saw anything suspicious or any vehicle acting suspiciously, in the areas to contact detectives in Downpatrick on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.