Thieves have struck again, stealing thousands of pounds worth of lead from the church mausoleum where Saltaire’s famous benefactor Sir Titus Salt is buried alongside members of his family.

It is the third time in two years the magnificent grade one listed Saltaire United Reformed Church has been targeted by criminals seeking to profit by selling the lead.

Leaders at the church – which celebrates its 150th anniversary – said they had been left “disheartened” by the latest theft.

It happened ahead of a meeting yesterday with representatives of English Heritage about a £250,000 funding bid to restore the mausoleum.

Saltaire URC minister the Reverend Paul Breeze, said: “We are busy trying to raise funding for repairs to the mausoleum and the churches windows and then this happens.

“Very few insurance companies will insure us for the theft of lead and the premiums are so horrific for the ones that will, that we can barely afford them.”

Police are investigating the theft, which happened as the Saltaire Festival came to a close on Sunday, September 20.

The thieves made off with an estimated £6,000 of lead from the church, which is historically important as one of the finest examples of Italianate religious architecture in the region.

It has previously been hit by thieves in December 2007 and March 2008 and church leaders have stepped up security in recent months, said Mr Breeze.

He added: “The amount of lead which has been going from churches has dropped significantly recently but it must have gone up again because I have heard of a number of churches in Bradford where the same thing has happened.”

English Heritage has released specific guidance for historic buildings which have had lead stolen.

Although it encourages replacing lead like-for-like, it also recommends that churches which have had lead repeatedly stolen replace it with cheaper stainless steel.

Bill Martin, director of conservation at English Heritage, said: “Many churches are struggling with finances and we have never underestimated the burden that lead theft has brought them.

“The guidance aims to give as much pragmatic advice as possible to help prevent the ultimate loss of our much loved heritage.”

Police have urged anyone with information about the theft to contact PC Sarah King at the Shipley Neighbourhood Police Team on 0845 6060606.

Guidance for historic buildings targeted by lead thieves is available at english-heritage.org.uk/ metaltheftguidance.