Church buildings throughout the UK could be under threat of lead theft unless drastic action is taken, a national church insurer warned on Monday, as it launched its new 'Church Alert' service.

Congregational & General Insurance, which has seen claims related to church lead theft rise 86 per cent in the past year alone, has launched the dedicated campaign in consultation with Crimestoppers to ensure churches across the UK are doing all they can to protect against this growing threat.

With lead prices rising sharply due to fierce demand from emerging economies such as China, the insurer has witnessed some claims approaching £100,000, as churches often find themselves the victims of consequential damage and loss following theft of raw materials from roofs, guttering and other structural areas.

Repeat theft is also an additional problem, with thieves deliberately targeting a church building and returning once repairs have been made.

Following close consultation with Crimestoppers, Congregational's Church Alert website is offering churches top tips and best practice on how to minimise the risk of lead theft.

The insurer has also teamed up with top anti-theft paint manufacturer, Coo-Var who will be offering Congregational policyholders the chance to purchase their specialist 'Vandolene' anti-climb paint at a discounted rate.

The key message from Church Alert is prevention and the insurer is keen to underscore the importance of engaging the local community as the threat of lead theft extends further than just those attending church buildings on a Sunday morning.

Carlo Cavaliere, Managing Director of Congregational, said that the problem of lead theft was becoming an "increasing problem" across the UK.

"We firmly believe that prevention is better than cure and our dedicated campaign should help all our church policyholders to minimise their risk of becoming the latest victims of this fast-growing problem, even if they don't personally feel their church is at risk," he said.

With some church buildings open only on select days throughout the week, Congregational aims to encourage churches to enlist local communities to become the eyes and ears of their church buildings and to report any suspicious behaviour without delay.

Other practical, preventative advice includes use of anti-theft paint, improving lighting, as well as defensive planting of thorny bushes. Posters, leaflets and newsletters have been produced and they can also be downloaded from the dedicated website.

"Whilst we want to galvanise churches into action, we are also acutely aware that the church buildings that cover the UK are often seen as a focal point for the local community and we would encourage everyone, whether they attend a church or not, to keep their eyes open and report any suspicious behaviour immediately," said Cavaliere.

"It's an old adage, but prevention is better than cure and we are confident that, with the launch of Church Alert, we are offering all our church policyholders the tools they need to help minimise the risk of lead theft."

For more information, visit www.churchalert.co.uk