On 3 September 2025, an unknown individual attempted to break into donation boxes at a church in Backnang and then deliberately caused severe damage to the holy water basin and a religious statue inside the building. The incident involved both attempted theft and targeted vandalism, resulting in material damage.
The incident occurred on 3 September 2025 at around 12:00 at the Johanneskirche. According to police, an unknown perpetrator first attempted to force open three wall-mounted donation boxes.
After failing to access the donation boxes, the individual escalated the incident by throwing an antique clay figure onto the floor and breaking holy water basins attached to a pew. These actions caused approximately €500 in damage.
Police in Backnang have opened an investigation and are appealing for witnesses.