Crimes at churches in Devon and Cornwall average nearly one every three days
Devon and Cornwall police report over 100 crimes at churches last year
Churches in Devon and Cornwall faced nearly 110 crimes in 2025, according to data obtained from Devon and Cornwall Police.
The Countryside Alliance's investigation into rural church crime reveals that these places of worship were affected by thefts, criminal damage, and acts of violence throughout the year.
The year-end report indicates 109 crimes were committed at churches in the region.
This includes 60 thefts, one of which involved lead, alongside 26 cases of criminal damage, and 23 instances of violence.
Nationally, crime at churches and religious premises in the UK averaged over 10 incidents per day last year.
The campaign focussing on the challenges faced by rural churches aims to increase awareness and funding for these crucial community spots.
Some forces across the country did not provide data, suggesting the issue may be more widespread than reported.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, Director of External Affairs at Countryside Alliance, highlighted the impact of these crimes, stating:
“It is vital that the public keep a watchful eye and report any issues to the police. Churches and places of worship are focal points for local communities, particularly in rural towns and villages.”
Efforts to increase funding for churches are underway, as the government has recently imposed VAT on repairs, which compounds the financial strain on places of worship already dealing with reduced funding allocations.
With churches being identified as community hubs, local police forces including Devon and Cornwall continue to tackle crime at religious sites to protect their historical and social significance.