The theft of lead from church roofs cost an estimated £9.4million last year.

The figure, from Ecclesiastical Insurance, reaveals the escalating problem.

Among the latest victims is Holy Cross Church at Goodnestone, near Canterbury, where thieves tore tiles away from the part medieval and Victorian roof to get to the metal which they threw onto the ground, causing large craters in the lawn.

The Rev Nigel Hale described the theft as “despicable”.

He said the full cost of the repairs is not yet known, but it is a substantial amount of money for the church’s limited funds, which they were raising to restore the interior.

Mr Hale said: “It is appalling and the fact that people think they can raid churches is despicable.

“The rain is starting to come in again – we’ve got a major job on our hands to put it right.”

He added: “We are in the midst of a fund-raising campaign to do the inside of the church up. We thought we had got the roof ready to go ahead and then this happens.”

Police spokesman Jon Green said: “According to Ecclesiastical Insurance, a firm who provide insurance to churches, the theft of lead from church roofs is an escalating problem which cost an estimated £9.4 million in 2007.”

The theft was on Monday, October 13. Police are appealing for information about three male youths in a red Vauxhall Corsa, who were seen acting suspiciously around the church at around 10am that day. Contact Kent Police on 01304 240055.

•Ecclesiastical Insurance has produced a guidance leaflet which can be downloaded from their website, www.ecclesiastical.com with crime prevention advice.