Anti-crime scheme to protect places of worship

Police in West Yorkshire say they have received a positive response to the Faith Watch scheme launched in January and are urging more faith communities to sign up to the initiative, which will see representatives become part of a wider network sharing information on crime and other issues within the local area.

Wakefield Cathedral is part of a Faith Watch scheme and last month it became a victim of lead theft from the roof. In March thieves scaled the cathedral twice in a week to steal lead.

Tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to the building.

Two men, aged 33 and 29, were later arrested in connection with the offence and are currently on police bail.

Insp Steve Palmer of the force’s local policing support department said: “Faith Watch schemes have been set up all across the county and we have had a really positive response since their launch.

“Information is circulated regularly in those areas which gives local worshippers the chance to take steps to protect their religious building.

“Any religious building, whether it is a church or a mosque, is an establishment for all of the community. Theft or any crime against a religious building does not just affect those at the place of worship but affects the wider community.

“Metal and lead theft is becoming an increasing problem in West Yorkshire and a large proportion of these are from religious buildings,” he added.

“We continue to urge members of the faith communities to join their local Faith Watch scheme and work together and share information with each other to ensure their local church or mosque is not an easy target for thieves.”

To become part of a Faith Watch scheme please contact 01924 292904.