A CHURCH in Penhill has been chosen to pilot a new high-tech security system to deter metal thieves from causing thousands of pounds more in damage.

St Peter’s Church, in Penhill Drive, was hit so many times that Ecclesiastical Insurance, the church’s insurance firm, paid to install the system which uses passive infra-red sensors to monitor access routes to the roof.

If it detects a human-sized body, a siren sounds, blue lights flash, security is alerted, and there is a recorded voice announcing that someone is on the roof and security has been informed.

As part of the deal, leaders of churches from across the UK, which have been hit by the rise in theft of lead and other metal, will be invited to see the system in operation at Penhill.

Hugh Milsom, a lay minister at St Peter’s, who is also the church’s community worker, said: “It is lovely to be chosen, but it’s a reflection of the fact we’re suffering more than other churches from this sort of attack.

“It’s lovely to have something to show to other churches, but I wish we didn’t have to.

“It’s a great shame we have to go along this road.”

St Peter’s has been hit several times by lead thieves in the past two years. Since June, the church has made three claims for damage to the roof, totalling £2,100.

The lead was replaced with a plastic-based substitute about 18 months ago, but this did not stop people pulling back tiles and stones in search of metal.

Mr Milsom said: “Ultimately, if that went on and on, we would have to close.

“We have had to pay thousands of pounds in excess and we’re a poor parish with a small congregation and it’s a struggle for us. We’re very grateful to Ecclesiastical Insurance for putting the system in for us.”

St Peter’s is thought to be the only church in Swindon to have the system installed free under this pilot scheme.

Mr Milsom said the church has not been hit since the alarm was installed about a month ago.

He said: “So far, it seems to have worked. We haven’t seen any vandalism up on the roof since it’s been installed and if this works out, hopefully it’s a system other churches will be encouraged to take up.”

Members of St Margaret’s Church, in Stratton, paid to install an identical alarm system last year after being targeted by lead thieves for the third time in less than six months.

Church warden David Horne said the building has not been hit since and the technology could signal the end of metal thefts from churches.

He said: “I think it will substantially reduce it because the thieves will think there are easier pickings elsewhere.”