LEAD theft is on the rise in Croydon – with latest figures showing ten crimes are reported every week.

Police say targets range from homes and schools to pubs and places of worship.

The statistic, of 518 offences, which applies only to lead and not other metals, covers the year up to October 31, 2011, and is a dramatic increase on the figure from April 2009 to March 2010 where just 27 incidents were reported.

Coulsdon churches have been blighted in recent months by the growing trade in stolen metals.

Responding to the figure, Tony Tucker – treasurer of St John the Evangelist in Old Coulsdon, said: "That's pretty scary. It's a terrible thing how these people can rob a church.

"We had an incident in 2010, our 750th anniversary – it's wanton destruction."

The church, which has now taken precautions to protect its metal, was left with a £12,000 bill last year after a major heist of copper roof tiles.

Mr Tucker said: "We have just about raised that money during 2011, by little old ladies having coffee mornings, Christmas fairs and concerts. It's hard work.

"We could have used that £12,000 for restoration work on the grade I listed building."

St Andrew's Church, in Woodmansterne Road, Coulsdon, has also been targeted three times in three years by metal thieves.

Speaking last month, Reverend Vickie Sims said: "Our lead has all been marked with smart water and also stamped with a St Andrew's mark. We are now replacing any stolen lead with an approved non-lead replacement, which has no metal value."

A Croydon Council spokesman previously said Croydon Trading Standards officers would conduct roadside checks of vehicles carrying scrap metal.

Officers will also be visiting scrap dealers' yards to demand proof that metal stocks have been legally acquired.