THIEVES who have repeatedly tried to strip the lead off a Prittlewell church have been damaging gravestones in the process.

The problem has become so bad at St Mary’s Church, in East Street, it is costing a fortune to replace the lead.

In the most recent attempt, the crooks were disturbed and left several rolls of the metal in the churchyard.

Officers clambered onto the roof in search of the criminals, but by then they had fled, leaving the damage in their wake.

Residents who make up the local neighbourhood action panel have now asked the police to tackle the problem as a priority over the next three months as the church has been targeted three times this year.

PC Dan Morgan, neighbourhood specialist officer for Prittlewell, said they had stepped up patrols and asked neighbours to be on the look-out.

He said: “If there are any work vehicles, or any heavy-laden vehicles late at night, or any men with ladders, we would obviously be keen to be told about them, so we can get down there before they leave.”

Officers are also targeting Priory Park where they are anticipating problems with antisocial behaviour over the summer. They want to prevent a repeat of last year, when the bowling greens were dug up.

In the past three months, there have been 14 reported crimes at the park. This included one assault, six reports of nuisance youths, and two about criminal damage to a window at Priory Museum.

Ray Matthews, chairman of Priory Park Associated Bowling Clubs, said: “The police are being proactive so they are getting more reports because of their presence here.

“If the police are about they find things, which is what we want them to do.”

Anyone with information can call the neighbourhood policing team directly on 07817 968093 or dial 999 if you spot a crime in progress.