In recent months, thefts of heating oil and lead appear to be the two recurrent crimes in the county, both price-driven.

But, whereas oil can be filtered from a tank with little resultant damage, the stripping of lead from a property, be it a church or a dwelling-house, leaves a trail of damage in its wake.

As well as incurring the expense of replacing an expensive commodity, the property owner more often than not has to contend with resultant flooding from ripped out boilers and pipes.

However, the Police are alert to the practice and, this week they have advised people that if they spot people on roofs or tampering with the fabric of a building, then it is likely they are up to no good.

All they need do is to ring '999' if they believe that a crime is in progress or their Neighbourhood Beat Officer at 0845 600 8000.

It really is neither here nor there that there is a ready market for lead in China. Vandalising one's property in this manner should not be tolerated and, remember, if it isn't yours this time, it could be next time.

Given the shock increase in oil prices neighbours are also asked to be vigilant where oil tanks are concerned.