The scale of the threat facing our churches has today been laid bare, with the region named as a national hotspot for lead theft.

The British Metals Recycling Association has identified Norfolk and Suffolk as an area of 'real concern', because of the mounting number of churches having lead stripped from their roofs.

It comes as figures show more than 40 of our historic buildings have been targeted by criminals over the past two years.

Ian Hetherington, the association's director general, said: 'It is a real concern to us, especially in Norfolk, Suffolk and South Lincolnshire. I think they are some of the worse hit areas [in the UK]. One reason for that is the large number of isolated churches, and some of the thefts are very substantial.

'We are now seeing more thefts on the edge of East Anglia and believe it is the same gang, or gangs, involved. Where the lead is going, we don't know. But it is certainly not ending up in our members' yards.'

He believed the lead was being transported to the midlands, but said its final destination was unknown.

Mr Hetherington said the association's members followed strict legal guidelines to ensure they do not receive stolen materials.

The EDP and sister paper the East Anglian Daily Times (EADT) has announced a £26,000 reward to protect our historic churches by helping to entice people to come forward to police and help bring this devastating crime to an end.

Det Con Andy Brown, metal theft co-ordinator for Norfolk police, said there has been an 'increase in calls' about suspicious activity around churches since the reward was announced.

And although none of the calls had lead to an arrest Det Con Brown said it was a 'very positive thing' and encouraged people to continue to report any suspicious activity to police.

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