Churches 'easy targets' as scale of thefts and criminal damage across Yorkshire revealed
More than 700 crimes were committed and churches and other religious buildings across Yorkshire last year, the majority of which involved theft and criminal damage.
The figures were revealed by freedom of information requests (FoI) by the Countryside Alliance, which said that criminals are treating churches as “easy targets”.
“We cannot allow this to continue,” director of external affairs, Mo Metcalf-Fisher, said.
“Churches and places of worship are focal points for local communities, particularly in rural towns and villages where they play a crucial role in combatting isolation.
“It is vital that the public keep a watchful eye and report any issues to the police.”
Across Yorkshire, according to the FoIs, there were 712 crimes committed at churches and religious buildings in 2025.
West Yorkshire had the highest total of crimes, although the areas are not comparable as each force responded with a different set of offences.
West Yorkshire Police said there had been 445 crimes recorded at churches, religious buildings or church yards, with 147 thefts, including six lead thefts, and 77 cases of criminal damage. There were also 126 cases of violence.
North Yorkshire Police also responded with the same parameters, recording 71 crimes, with 28 thefts and 26 incidents of criminal damage.
Since 2022, arson attacks have been reported at churches in Riccall, Ilkley, Bradford and Kirkby Moorside.
In 2024, vandals smashed windows estimated to be five centuries old at St Mary’s Church in Thirsk, while at Bilton-in-Ainsty, in 2023, several historic items were stolen as well as lead from the roof, which later caused water to pour through the roof into the building.
In South Yorkshire, the force said the crimes were specific to churches, with 98 incidents, including 41 thefts and 27 cases of criminal damage.
Earlier this year, arrests were made over grave tampering at the All Saints Church, in Laughton-en-le-Morthen, Rotherham, while St John's, in Penistone, is still recovering from a lead theft in 2007.
Humberside Police said that 98 crimes occurred at churches in the region, without specifying whether this included other religious buildings, almost half of which involved thefts.
Johnnie Furse, one of the CA’s representatives in Yorkshire, said: “The ongoing targeting of churches and places of worship by criminals is a national disgrace.
“Yorkshire is fortunate to be home to some of the most beautiful churches in the country, many of them of historical importance.
“And yet Yorkshire has suffered more crimes at churches than any other area in the country.
“Churches and places of worship are vital community centres, particularly in rural areas where they play a crucial role in combating isolation.
“Urgent action is needed to help safeguard these hugely significant parts of our heritage.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch recently announced that her party would “restore funding” for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which gave out funds to cover VAT on church repairs.
The Government recently announced the end of the scheme, which will be replaced by a new £92m Places of Worship Renewal Fund.
“Churches matter,” Mrs Badenoch said, adding: “They aren’t just important places of worship, in many towns and villages they are the centre of the community and the pride of local people, often steeped in hundreds of years of history.
“It is critical we maintain them properly, because when they’re gone, this history and heritage could be lost forever.”