Nearly 200 crimes reported at churches across the West Midlands

New figures reveal that churches and religious properties in the West Midlands and West Mercia faced nearly 200 crimes in 2025.

This data, obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the Countryside Alliance, is part of an ongoing investigation into church crime across the UK.

Crimes reported to West Midlands Police

West Midlands Police reported a total of 50 crimes at churches within their jurisdiction.

These included 23 thefts, with one involving lead theft, 17 instances of criminal damage, and 10 cases of violence.

West Mercia Police Statistics

Meanwhile, West Mercia Police recorded 128 criminal activities at churches.

These figures included 38 thefts, 45 occurrences of criminal damage, and 45 incidents of violence.

A Growing Issue

Countryside Alliance's investigation indicates an average of 10 crimes a day at churches throughout the UK in 2025.

Director of External Affairs at the Countryside Alliance, Mo Metcalf-Fisher, expressed concerns over the increasing vulnerability of religious places to criminal activities and emphasised the need for public vigilance and government action to protect these community hubs.

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