Campaigners Fear churches are now ‘easy targets’ of criminals, with over 10 crimes per day being committed at worship places during the coronavirus epidemic.
This shocking statistic shows that over the last one year, churches have suffered a wave attack of crime and thefts.
There were more than 4,500 crimes recorded between July and August this year, despite the eight-month lockdown.
Pandemic lockdowns may have led to criminals focusing on churches as they are considered softer targets.
According to figures, churches were the victims of criminal damage and thefts. Vandals broke the windows of St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Caldecote, Hertfordshire (pictured).
Violent crimes include arson, drug trafficking, and rape. 39 of 45 UK police officers responded to Freedom of Information requests from the Countryside Alliance.
4.1770 incidents occurred, which included 1,356 instances of theft or burglary and 1,688 cases of criminal damage.
Most of the worst affected areas can be found in the south-east, with the Sussex Police reporting 367 crimes and Kent 209 cases respectively, while the Metropolitan Police reports 575.
Police in Sussex recorded six sexual assaults, including one in churchyards. There was also an alleged rape by an underage girl as well as three other sex offenses in cemeteries.
The theft of lead from St Saviour’s Church, Eastbourne’s roof last year by thieves and the vandalization of its war memorial are other offences.
In May, a bronze cross including a sculpture of Jesus Christ was also stolen from All Saints Church in Gosforth, Newcastle, with a £1,000 reward issued for its return.
In May, a bronze cross including a sculpture of Jesus Christ was also stolen from All Saints Church in Gosforth, Newcastle, with a £1,000 reward issued for its return
A vicar from Chadwell Heath Baptist Church, east London confronted a vandal who tried to tear off the roof of the church. He was held until the police arrived and arrested the suspect.
And in Caldecote, Hertfordshire, vandals smashed the church windows of 15th century St Mary Magdalene’s in August, which had just reopened after paying £150,000 to repair criminal damage.
From police records, the Countryside Alliance has cataloged 30169 church-related crimes since 2017.
Mo Metcalf Fisher of Countryside Alliance shared the following: “We have to face the stark reality that criminals are treating many places of worship and churches as easy targets.”
“These should be places people seek refuge from the world, but too many times they are subject to horrible crimes either on or in their own property.
“We can’t allow these valuable places which are frequently the heart of many villages and towns throughout the country to be unguarded or exposed.
It doesn’t matter what faith you have, keeping the public informed about churches is important.
Pandemic lockdowns may have led to criminals focusing on churches, raising concerns. Pictured: Smashed windows at 15th century St Mary Magdalene’s in Caldecote in August
According to a Church of England spokesperson, the Church of England boasts nearly 16,000 buildings. It is present in all communities and provides space for everyone. This includes churchesyards.
“Crime committed on the premises of a church isn’t always directed at that church. Churches are encouraged to work with police officers and other authorities regarding crime in their buildings.
Rachel Nolan Assistant Chief Constable (National Police Chiefs Council lead on heritage crime) said that “Metal theft remains a problem that plagues all aspects society, and the targeting churches for metal was one area where we work closely alongside heritage organisations throughout the UK in order to help protect potential victims.”
Two weeks of intense metal crime focused in on the United States have occurred over the past 12 months. These led to hundreds of arrests, thousands of thefts, and disruptions of the criminal activities within the waste sector.
“This is a continuing effort and we’ve seen an increase in national metal crime, but we’re putting a renewed emphasis on ensuring that people who are involved in these kinds of thefts have no place to hide.”