In a brazen daylight raid that has shocked the local community, heartless thieves stripped the roof of a historic Chesterfield church, causing extensive damage and leaving congregation members devastated.
The incident occurred at St John the Baptist Church in Brimington, where criminals systematically removed valuable lead roofing materials during operating hours while the church remained open to visitors.
Community Left Reeling from 'Despicable' Crime
Reverend Deborah Stainsbury expressed her profound distress at the theft, describing how the criminals worked undetected despite the church's doors being open for visitors seeking quiet reflection.
"It's absolutely devastating to think that while people were in church, someone was on the roof stealing from us," Reverend Stainsbury told local authorities. "The lead was stripped from the roof above the vestry and choir vestry areas, causing significant water damage to the interior."
Substantial Financial Blow to Historic Parish
The theft has dealt a crushing financial blow to the parish, with initial estimates suggesting replacement costs could exceed £20,000. Church officials confirmed the stolen lead constituted "quite a large amount" of material, significantly impacting the building's structural integrity.
Derbyshire Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which occurred between 1pm and 3pm on Tuesday. Officers are conducting house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
Appeal for Witnesses and Information
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who may have witnessed suspicious activity or vehicles in the Brimington area during the specified timeframe.
"This is not just a crime against a building, but against the entire community that values and uses this sacred space," a police spokesperson commented. "We're determined to identify those responsible for this callous act."
The church has served as a cornerstone of the Brimington community for generations, making the violation particularly painful for local residents and congregation members who regard the building as both a spiritual home and historical landmark.
