British churches are vandalised an average of eight times a day, according to new data by the Countryside Alliance.

A freedom of information request reveals there were 9,148 records of theft, burglary, criminal damage, vandalism and assault between January 2022 and December 2024.

Over three years, there were 3,237 cases of criminal damage to churches – including arson – and 179 lead and metal thefts.

West Yorkshire was the worst-hit area (1,121 crimes recorded), followed by Kent (655 crimes) and Greater Manchester (642 crimes).

In June 2024, a bronze eagle lectern was stolen in broad daylight from an Edgbaston church. In August, £90,000 worth of silver items was stolen from Sherborne Abbey.

A Grade II listed building was also subject to an arson attack by three teenagers.

Some attacks have extended to physical violence; in July 2023, three masked men broke into St Augustine’s Abbey, Ramsgate, causing over £1000 worth of damage, ransacking rooms and demanding money. They kicked and punched one man to the floor, and pinned a priest to his bed.

Churches are often seen as an easy target, due to the lack of permanent security.  

The Countryside Alliance’s Director of External Affairs, Mo Metcalf told The Telegraph: “Churches and places of worship are the beating heart of many rural towns and villages. 

“We cannot allow these cherished places to continue to be unprotected against the machinations of criminals – it is vital that the public keep a watchful eye and report any issues to the police.”

The current picture only accounts for the majority of England and Wales; Police Scotland was invited to give statistics representing Scottish churches, but the request for freedom of information was declined.