Two Church Vandalisms in One Week

Case information
Incident date
Country
Germany
Place
Herbern
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Church
Place of Incident
  • Church
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Pattern or Frequency of Attacks
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
  • Victim/Witness Perception
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: Ingo Kramarek on Pixabay

Two consecutive incidents of vandalism at occurred at St. Benedikt Church in Herbern, Germany. Cushion were scorched and hymnals flung into the chandelier.

As reported on September 4, the Church of St Benedikt in Herbern was vandalised on two consecutive Tuesdays, prompting a police investigation and public concern. According to reports, unknown individuals scattered around 100 lit tea lights throughout the sanctuary, many of which landed on seat cushions, resulting in wax stains and burn damage. Hymn books were also thrown into the chandelier, resulting in further damage to the property.

Law enforcement officials appealed urgently for witnesses to come forward and help identify those responsible.

Sources