51AVÊÓÆµ

Rural churches a 'hotspot' for targeted and thoughtless criminality

Nearly 4,000 crimes were recorded at churches across the UK in 2025, amounting to more than 10 a day

Chris Brayford
clock • 6 min read
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey said: "It is scandalous that our churches and places of worship have become a playground for criminals, with the Government asleep at the wheel. These figures are a damning indictment of a failed policing model that has left many rural communities feeling unprotected and unsafe. We need a return to proper community policing, with more officers back on the beat and visible in our towns and villages to protect sacred spaces."
Image:

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey said: "It is scandalous that our churches and places of worship have become a playground for criminals, with the Government asleep at the wheel. These figures are a damning indictment of a failed policing model that has left many rural communities feeling unprotected and unsafe. We need a return to proper community policing, with more officers back on the beat and visible in our towns and villages to protect sacred spaces."

Churches in rural communities are becoming a hotspot for criminality after a new report revealed that UK places of worship face more than 10 crimes a day. The Countryside Alliance has obtained data...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Rural crime

Waste now cleared from notorious illegal dumping site in Kidlington

Waste now cleared from notorious illegal dumping site in Kidlington

The site was larger than the pitch at Wembley Stadium including tonnes of commercial and household waste

Mia Willemsen
clock 27 August 2026 • 2 min read
Police launch appeal following multiple arson attacks on farms in Herefordshire

Police launch appeal following multiple arson attacks on farms in Herefordshire

Two farms just miles apart reported barn fires in the early hours of Sunday (August 22) morning

Mia Willemsen
clock 25 August 2026 • 1 min read
Cows spared harm as crews tackle barn fire in Bude

Cows spared harm as crews tackle barn fire in Bude

A barn housing livestock caught fire on Sunday (August 23) in North Cornwall

Mia Willemsen
clock 25 August 2026 • 1 min read