Another Suffolk church has been left reeling after thieves targeted it for the lead on its roof.

St Mary’s Church in Dennington is the latest to be hit by such a theft, making it the fourth victim of the crime in recent weeks.

It comes after the Church of Stratford St Mary, St Mary’s Church in Combs and St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Lavenham all had tiles stripped from their roofs by crooks.

The latest incident happened between 7pm on Monday and 7.30am on Tuesday in Dennington Road. Around 10ft by 30ft of lead was taken from the church’s roof.

Police investigating the theft have said nearby residents reported hearing noises around 5am, while a vehicle with no lights on had been seen leaving the area.

The thefts at other churches have left them with bills for anywhere between £25,000 and £150,000 for replacement materials.

Fundraising campaigns have been set up to try and help the organisations with insurance policies not able to guarantee to cover the full amount lost.

And the Suffolk Heritage Churches’ Trust (which raises money for the upkeep of churches) annual sponsored cycle ride and walk took on an extra significance after the recent crimes.

Politicians have also got involved, with the South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge and Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill calling for the buildings to be given support from the government’s Listed Places of Worship roof repair fund, which until recently was not available to churches seeking to replace stolen lead.

Anyone who may have any information about any of the lead thefts in Suffolk or those responsible is asked to call Suffolk Constabulary on 101, or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.