Theft of lead from Lanark St Nicholas Church went unnoticed for almost a week

Indeed, it is possible that the audacious thieves who stripped the valuable metal from the newly-renovated kirk, causing £1500 of damage, made repeated visits to the scene of the crime at various times between July 29 and August 4.

The Gazette understands that police have been frustrated in their investigations by the lack of public reporting of suspicious activity around the historic kirk during the time the theft was taking place.

It is possible local residents were lulled into thinking that late night work on the roof was part of the two year long renovation, now nearly completed.

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.