A CHURCH has been repeatedly targeted by thieves despite the efforts of vigilant residents.

The crooks have stolen lead from the roof of St Mary’s Church, in Prittlewell, at least five times over the past 18 months.

The latest attack saw £300 of the metal ripped from the vestry roof at about 3am on Tuesday.

However, the church has been receiving the help of scores of residents who dial 999 when they spot anything suspicious.

Church warden Penny Sloman thanked residents at a meeting of the Neighbourhood Watch for St Mary’s Road and St Bennet’s Road.

She said: “Several times the police have been called out because somebody’s spotted these people taking the lead.

“We have to say we are deeply greatful to people who are vigilant in that way.”

The church is now installing its own CCTV camera in an effort to prevent further attacks. Mrs Sloman said: “We are in the process of putting a CCTV camera on the roof of the church, on the battlements, which will be in a position to see the vestry roof.

“That’s the most vulnerable bit because it’s lower and that’s the lead they are after.

“In the past 18 months we’ve had five cases of theft so it’s costing the church quite a bit.”

The footage will be recorded inside the church so if there are any more thefts the tape can be passed to police.

Mick Holland, Southend Neigh- bourhood Watch co-ordinator, said it was unlikely the camera could be linked into the town’s current system.

He added: “The sort of camera we want to put on to the battlement is likely to be able to see in the dark, but it might not necessarily be compatible with the town centre system.”