# Fury as thieves rip roof of historic UK town church – ‘a new low’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/fury-as-thieves-rip-roof-of-historic-uk-town-church-a-new-low/
- Published: 2026-11-15T10:07:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T11:37:16+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Express (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2266306/fury-thieves-rip-roof-historic-church
- Topics: UK, World

## Key points

- Lead was stolen from a church porch roof in Surrey.
- Repairs are expected to cost thousands of pounds.
- Police have identified a suspect and are seeking information.

## Summary

Thieves stole lead from the porch roof of St Peter’s Church in Staines-upon-Thames, damaging the 132-year-old building and leaving it in need of repairs costing thousands of pounds. Residents are raising money to help pay for the work, while a local councillor called the theft “a new low” and said the community was being let down over crime.

Surrey Police have identified a suspect, who remains at large, and are appealing for information as their investigation continues. Borough Inspector Matthew Walton said reported crime in the area had fallen by 6% and police were solving 17% of reported crimes; he urged residents to report incidents.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.