Repeated suspected arson incidents at St. John the Baptist Church in Ichenhausen, Germany, have prompted the installation of a surveillance camera in an effort to identify or deter the perpetrator. According to the parish priest, several small fires were deliberately started inside the church over a period of weeks, causing minor fire damage.
As reported on 7 July 2026, St. John the Baptist Church in Ichenhausen, Bavaria, experienced several suspected arson incidents over the preceding weeks, including during the weekend of July4-5. In response, the parish installed a surveillance camera to help identify the perpetrator or deter further incidents.
According to parish priest Frank Geilich, an unknown perpetrator has repeatedly lit fires inside the church, using church leaflets and causing damage to the interior of the church.
Commenting on the installation of the camera, Fr Geilich acknowledged that surveillance in a church was uncomfortable for everyone but said it had become necessary in light of the repeated incidents.