KELOWNA – An attempted theft of copper cladding from the steeple of St. Andrew, Trail took place just before midnight last November. The church’s watchman had heard strange noises coming from the belfry and called the police.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man on the roof. According to churchwarden Marnie Jacobsen, the officer checked to see if the climber was safe.
The man was taken into custody. Finding no immediate damage, the church decided not to press charges, even though the congregation was left with a costly repair bill. The next day, church members noticed that a section of copper cladding on the steeple was dangling precariously, alongside on what appeared to be a rope.
According to RCMP, metal theft, fuelled by high global demand and rising prices, is a growing problem. Thieves target everything from catalytic converters and boat propellers to streetlamp wires and, as seen in Trail, copper cladding on a church steeple. These crimes often cause more financial damage than the value of the stolen metal. The church must first get insurance approval, which requires a crane to assess the damage. Even with approved coverage, the church faces a $2,500 deductible. Thieves are often driven by drug addiction. A moral question for the church.
The Highway
Before you ask, thank