RESIDENTS in East Yorkshire have been urged to become the eyes and ears of the police in a bid to combat thieves targeting churches.

A spate of crimes in the Market Weighton area has seen places of worship targeted with lead and copper stolen from their roofs. Night patrols have been stepped up in a bid to stop the thefts.

Several arrests have been made since the offences, but officers have now sent out an appeal to people living in the area to keep a watchful eye on local churches.

Sgt Pete Rogers, of the Pocklington policing team, said inquiries into the recent thefts were still being carried out.

He said: “I find these kinds of offences quite disgusting. Many of these buildings have been in existence for hundreds of years, and for them to be subject to these crimes is despicable.

“Damage is caused which very often leads to further damage to the internal fabric and fittings of these buildings, and it is heartbreaking for those who lovingly look after their churches and worship in them.”

Anybody who sees suspicious activity near churches should phone Humberside Police on 0845 6060 222, or 999 if they see a crime in progress, as well as getting a description and registration number of vehicles they believe thieves are using.

The force has also asked scrap-metal dealers to be wary of people offering to sell large amounts of copper and lead.