U.K. Thieves Use Google Earth to Spot Lead Roofing to Steal

Wonder why people are risking their lives tearing copper wires out of electrical substations? At $3.75 a pound (New Jersey prices), copper wire can bring a handsome return to those willing to risk life and limb. The same goes with other metals, including lead ($0.40/lb). In England, computer-savvy thieves have begun to use Google Earth to spot lead roofing to steal.

Even sadder than the thefts is the victim of the thefts; old churches. Lead is a traditional roofing material on many of these historical buildings, most belonging to the Church of England. According to Reuters, approximately 8,000 churches have suffered losses of more than $37 million from lead theft. One church reported having its roof stolen 14 times.