A church is worried it may be forced to close if it is unable to find the money to carry out repairs on damage caused by metal thieves.

St Mary’s in Warkworth, near Banbury, has become the latest victim of lead thieves.

It comes as the Diocese of Oxford said it had seen a “massive increase” in metal thefts in the past few years.

In the latest incident, thieves struck overnight on Friday and Saturday, stripping more than £100,000 worth of lead from the roof at 14th century St Mary’s.

Rain poured into the remote church, damaging the inside that was only recently given a £7,000 makeover, its first in 100 years.

Thieves have been targeting schools and community centres as lead prices rise from £600 a tonne in late 2008 to £1,500 now.

Thames Valley Police crime reduction advisor Nick Gilbert said scrap demand in the growing economies of Russia and China was limiting UK supplies, pushing up prices. He said: “The payback from the crime is much greater.”

But Mr Gilbert admitted officers are struggling to catch culprits, and added: “We are not getting the guys on the ground but looking to stop it happening.”

Security cameras and a substance with a unique DNA-style marker that can be linked to buildings when found on thieves’ clothes are being used.

He also called for planning laws to be changed so “like for like” replacements are needed less.

St Mary’s The Rev David Randell said he would need Diocese of Oxford permission to use cheaper material and warned: “We can’t repair like with like because we can’t afford it. Then it will be closed and fall into disrepair.”

The church, which has a congregation of just eight, has been hit by a £10,000 cap on payouts by Ecclesiastical Insurance, used by most places of worship.

Church treasurer Derek Jones said of thieves: “These people are despicable.”

Sarah Meyrick, spokesman for the diocese, which also covers Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, said there had been a “massive increase”.

There have been 11 requests to the diocese to use cheaper material – often only relating to major thefts – this year compared to 10 last year.

Ecclesiastical Insurance saw about 50 diocese cases in 2007 and about 60 so far this year. Payouts have topped £920,000 over five years.

Northamptonshire Police is investigating the Warkworth theft. Anyone with information should call 03000 111222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.