Successive Copper Thefts at Churches

Successive thefts of copper objects from church buildings in Manchester, New Hampshire and Vieux Longeuil, Canada (located near Montreal) should prompt authorities to examine whether the crimes are related. Meanwhile, churches should take measures to guard against copper thieves.

Copper prices have increased in recent years, prompting criminals to steal the metal. WMUR reported that thieves hit St. Anne’s church in Manchester on June 2, stealing a cross on the roof. Meanwhile, CJAD radio described how St. Anthony Padua co-cathedral in Longeuil suffered the loss of a copper statue. St. Anthony’s was also the target of copper thieves in May when another statue and parts of the roof were stolen during two separate incidents. The two churches are located about 275 miles apart.

Sources:
http://www.wmur.com/news/28120869/detail.html#COMMENTTOP

http://www.cjad.com/CJADLocalNewsEntry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10243552

©2010-2022 Cultural Heritage Lawyer Rick St. Hilaire. Content discussing cultural heritage law, art law, looted antiquities, stolen artifacts, and museum risk management that is general information only, not legal advice.