In light of alarming statistics revealing a surge in crimes against churches, the Countryside Alliance has urged the government to bolster efforts in safeguarding these sacred spaces. A recent report highlights how religious buildings have become frequent targets of criminal activity across the UK.
Data obtained through Freedom of Information requests from every police force in Britain indicates a significant number of crimes directed at churches annually. Between 2022 and 2024, West Yorkshire recorded the highest number of incidents, with 1,121 crimes, nearly double that of Kent, which saw 655 cases. Greater Manchester was not far behind, with 642 reported crimes against churches.
Essex also faced substantial challenges, with 500 reported crimes against religious institutions during the same period.
The Countryside Alliance advocates for the permanent establishment of the government’s Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme and the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme. These initiatives assist churches in managing repair and security expenses, crucial in addressing the prevalent issues of theft and vandalism.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, shared his concerns with the BBC, stating, “If I think about my parish church outside Saffron Walden in Ugley, it’s a beautiful church, but it is isolated.”
He continued, “Lots of people, for a number of years, have had concerns about the security of their local church, whether it’s anecdotal stories about lead being taken from the rooftops to donation tins being stolen.”
Metcalf-Fisher emphasized the importance of community vigilance in crime prevention. “We need any dog walkers, people out in the area, just keeping an eye on their churches, and that piece of intelligence to police could go a long way in protecting the future of those churches,” he explained.
Reverend David Ibiayo of St Margaret’s Church in Bowers Gifford, near Basildon, provided a poignant example of community support. The local community rallied to raise £10,000 via GoFundMe to repair the church following a vandalism incident that damaged the church organ. Additionally, the over 500-year-old church has installed CCTV to bolster security.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
