Communities are being urged to stay vigilant as Norfolk churches are struck yet again by lead thieves.

Lead worth thousands of pounds was stolen from St Mary's Church in Narford in two separate incidents at the weekend and the weekend before.

Also over the weekend, lead roofing worth £10,000 was stolen from All Saints Church in East Barsham.

The crimes are the latest in a spate of thefts which saw lead roofing taken from St Peter's and St Paul's Church in Carbrooke, near Watton, between January 30 and February 19.

Crime manager for north Norfolk and Broadland, Sergeant Toby Gosden, said: 'We are actively targeting our patrols around rural churches in hours of darkness to try and deter offenders as well as following up a number of lines of enquiry to catch those responsible.

'I would urge the public to be vigilant around rural churches and if they see anything suspicious to call 101, noting down vehicle descriptions including number plates and direction of travel or call 999 if they suspect a crime is in progress.

'Likewise, if any scrap yard is offered large amounts of lead that looks like it has come from a church, they should also call 101.'

A spree of thefts across Norfolk and Suffolk last summer prompted the Eastern Daily Press to launch its Stop The Roof Raiders campaign offering a £1,000 reward for information on the criminal gangs who prey on our counties' churches.

Has your church been targeted by metal thieves? Email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk