Three plead guilty to Stoke Minster roof lead theft

Three people have admitted the theft of metal from the roof of Stoke Minster when they appeared at Stoke on Trent Crown Court on Monday.

Spartakus Grachauskas, 23, Mykolas Serdiucenco,18, and Nikoladus Janouicius, 23, all from Crewe, admitted stealing the lead on 19 April.

Officers from Staffordshire Police arrested the men not far from Stoke Minster after being alerted by a member of the public to suspicious activity.

The judge adjourned their case to a date to be fixed for pre-sentence reports and the three were granted unconditional bail.

Gavin Drake, director of communications for the Diocese of Lichfield, said: "This case clearly demonstrates something we have been saying since the theft of lead reached epidemic proportions in 2007: firstly, that the best defence the churches have against thieves who would target them is the vigilance of our neighbours and members of the public; and secondly, that the SmartWater solution, which our churches are protected with, provides a clear forensic link between suspects, stolen lead and a particular church.

"SmartWater, which has been rolled out to all churches in the Church of England by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, has a 100 per cent conviction rate when used as evidence in court.

"Our hope is that today's conviction will send a clear message to other thieves and anybody else considering stealing lead from our churches: you will be caught; and you will be convicted."

David Bonehill, claims and risk services director at Ecclesiastical said the theft of metal was a serious issue not just for the churches, but for the communities surrounding the churches as well.

He said: "Metal theft often causes great damage to the church buildings, but it also causes disruption to community life.

"We have been fighting this epidemic with churches for several years and will continue to do so.

"SmartWater plays a big part in our fight against this crime and helps ensure that those responsible for this destruction are caught and punished accordingly.”

The stolen lead is valued at £13,000; but the cost of replacement and repairs will cost the Minster more than £30,000. Roofing metal on churches is virtually uninsurable and claims are capped at a maximum of £5,000 so the Minster has launched a fund raising campaign to help fund the difference.

Mr Drake added: "Stoke Minster and the diocese would like to thank the member of the public whose vigilance led to the arrests and to Staffordshire Police for their swift attendance which enabled the suspects to be caught red handed."

Donations to the Stoke Minster roof appeal can be made online at justgiving.com/StokeMinster