Police hunt thieves after lead stolen from church roof

Four pieces of lead, measuring 1.5 metres in length, were taken from the roof of St Bartholomews Church in the High Street overnight on June 27/28.

The incident happened the same week as a new police operation was launched to tackle the growing epidemic of metal theft.

Operation Tornado is a nationwide initiative aimed at making it easier to trace sellers of stolen metal and disrupt the activities of those dealers who operate illegal businesses.

All affected industries are working together to tackle the problem and of the 47 licensed scrap metal dealers in Sussex, more than 30 have so far signed up to Operation Tornado.

Any witness or anyone with information about the Burwash theft is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, quoting serial 1042 of 27/6. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.