![\"Broken](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0_The-graveyard-at-Our-Lady-of-Compassion-ChurchSchool-LaneFormbyPic-Andrew-Teebay.jpg\")
Broken headstone in the graveyard at Our Lady of Compassion Church, Formby in 2022(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)<\/p>\nThe total number of crimes makes Merseyside one of the worst-affected areas in the countryBroken headstone in the graveyard at Our Lady of Compassion Church, Formby in 2022(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)<\/p>\n
Almost 500 crimes were recorded at churches and places of worship in Merseyside from the start of 2022 until the end of 2024, according to new data. The figures were obtained by the Countryside Alliance as part of its ongoing call to increase funding for security at places of worship.<\/p>\n
In total 474 crimes were recorded at places of worship in Merseyside from 2022 to 2024, according to the date obtained by the alliance. The data reveals 162 reported thefts and there were also 193 reported cases of criminal damage, including 19 reported cases of arson, as well as 119 reported cases of violence.<\/p>\n
The total number of crimes makes Merseyside one of the worst-affected areas in the country. In 2022, The Our Lady of Compassion church in Formby<\/a> was repeatedly targeted by vandals, who smashed headstones, intimidated visitors, and even left human faeces.<\/p>\n St Oswald King and Martyr Catholic church in Old Swan<\/a> was also vandalised in 2019, with several windows smashed, and graffiti painted on it. In 2020, 850-year-old Sefton<\/a> Parish church was hit by thieves who stole an entire pathway of expensive York stone slabs from outside the historic Grade 1 listed church.<\/p>\n And in recent years, churches have faced arson attacks with St Mary\u2019s Church in Walton targeted in 2020<\/a>, St Theresa\u2019s Church in St Helens<\/a> in 2024, and even Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral in 2022<\/a> being hit by arsonists.<\/p>\n Nationally, 179 lead thefts were recorded along with 3,937 thefts, 3,237 incidents of vandalism and criminal damage – including arson – and 1,974 incidents of violence, including sexual assault and assault on an officer. 228 other crimes were recorded, including drug trafficking and crimes against society.<\/p>\n The worst-affected region in the country was West Yorkshire (with 1,121 reported crimes), followed by Kent (with 655 reported crimes) and Greater Manchester (with 642 reported crimes). This means that, on average, at least eight crimes took place at churches every single day over the three-year period.<\/p>\n Of the 43 police forces that responded to the Countryside Alliance’s FOI requests, 33 provided figures. The organisation\u2019s annual report into crimes on churches and religious buildings has revealed a total of 39,544 incidents between 2017 and 2024, with data obtained under Freedom of Information laws going back to 2017.<\/p>\n Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance said: \u201cThese figures bring into stark relief the devastating fact that many churches and places of worship are being treated as easy targets by criminals.<\/p>\n \u201cThese are supposed to be places of refuge and tranquillity, where people go to worship or seek solace – but all too often they are being subjected to heinous crimes, either in or on their property.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is particularly saddening to see that Merseyside is the one of the worst-affected regions in the entire country.<\/p>\n \u201cWe cannot allow these precious places, which are often the centre of villages and towns across the country, to go unguarded and be so exposed.<\/p>\n \u201cEasy access to protective funding schemes is of the greatest importance, but it is just as vital that members of the public keep an ever-watchful eye on churches and report suspicious behaviour to police.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is also our hope that there will be further progress on the development of a new aggravated offense relating to the loss or damage of heritage assets, a move some Parliamentarians have already supported.<\/p>\n \u201cIrrespective of faith or none, churches are more than just community buildings, they are often part of our centuries-old history and heritage. They must be protected\u201d<\/p>\n