Roofing Barnet: Why Lead Theft Figures Make Choosing a Trusted Local Roofer More Important Than Ever
If you've got an older property in Barnet or Enfield with a lead-lined roof or valley, it's worth paying attention to some new figures doing the rounds in the roofing trade press. A study analysing UK police crime data has found that metal theft overall has fallen by nearly a third since 2023 — good news on the face of it. But dig a little deeper and Greater London tells a different story, and it's one local homeowners should know about.
According to the data, London is one of only two regions in the country where metal theft has actually gone up over the same period, rising by 28% and racking up over 2,500 recorded cases between 2023 and 2025 — the highest total anywhere in the UK. Lead was flagged as one of the most targeted materials, largely because it's commonly used on pitched and flat roofs, especially on the kind of period properties you'll find right across Barnet and Enfield.
The reason lead keeps catching thieves' attention isn't complicated: it's valuable, it's often installed in fairly accessible places like valleys, flashings and porch roofs, and older homes tend to have more of it than modern builds. Copper is following a similar trend too, with copper thefts making up a growing share of all metal crime as prices have climbed.
The practical upshot for homeowners is that it pays to know what's on your roof and to get it looked at by someone who understands both the material and the risk. A good local roofer can advise on discreet security marking, alternative fixings, or simply flag areas of exposed lead that are worth keeping an eye on — something a one-off contractor from out of the area is far less likely to think to mention.
This is exactly the kind of local knowledge Thomas Roofing brings to every job across Barnet and Enfield. As a long-established family roofing business, they know which streets and property types tend to be more exposed, and they'll happily take a look at ageing leadwork as part of any repair or inspection. If you'd like a professional opinion on your roof, get in touch with Thomas Roofing London today.