Google Cameras - Thieves use Google to find lead on church roof

[DTCwordfan]

I am sure the subject of Google and its invasive techniques, photographing all our houses, businesses and 'institutions', has probably come up here before.

I think that the following article in the DT today should elicit some comment. I am no great supporter of the church, and especially the moribund CofE, even though I do appreciate the efforts of a smaller number of their bishes, one or two that I have got to know over my life......they do have some good folk but there are a large number out of touch.

My own local church has been the subject of lead raids and I know that businesses with air-conditioning units are being targeted for their copper (especially in the States). And Google is complicit with this.

Agree/Disagree - Should someone have the b-lls to sue Google over enabling theft?

Article reference is http://www.telegraph....ad-from-churches.html

[JackDanielsU]

Surely toerags will steal "stuff" regardless.

Just because Google has suddenly done the "StreetView" thing in their town, do they go "Oh look theres a church...lets go pinch the lead" - They'll have known theres a church there before the mapping - so they'll have stolen the lead with or without Google

[DTCwordfan]

The article suggests - does it make it easier for them?.......I also think that this may apply for potential terrorist check-out (or subversive military assessments)......

Let me give you one personal fear - Google cam rolls down the street and "Little moi" the terrorist prospect....ah, I see the gas point (pubs often have meter readings on the front in a box), and "bingo" a few weeks later.

Should Google Earth when it comes down to "Street Level" operations be closed down?

[hc4361]

Lead has been stolen off church roofs (not rooves, apparently) for many years.
The IRA had no problem finding litter bins to deposit their bombs in the 1970s.
Burglars burgled before electric street lighting.

I love street view, google earth et al - very useful tools for the traveller.

[ludwig]

It's just another resource that's available to the public, and some of the public are criminals. It's like saying the map makers were complicit in a crime because some burglars used a map in order to get to the crime scene.

[VHG]

Somebody robbed a bank near me last week, and got away in a getaway car.

I think these "cars" should be banned if thats all people are going to do with them.

[Answerprancer]

LOL VHG - perfect answer.

[jaydah]

Blame Streetview for our counties missing iron drain covers

[Answerprancer]

...yes and blame Ordinance Survey for burglaries and trespassing.

[jaydah]

g'mornin AP

[tigerlelly]

There is a British site that is much more invasive than Google. It shows my house from a 'Bird's Eye View' and gives 4 views, North, South etc. You can clearly see all the doors. windows and everything in the garden in great detail. I have never heard this site mentioned by the media.

[Gromit]

So stealing lead off of church roofs is a crime that has only arisen since the introduction of Google Earth?

I wonder what burglars did before 2007?