All cases
Consecrated Hosts stolen from Czestochowa Church
April 28, 2024, PolandUnknown perpetrators broke into the church of Our Lady of Czestochowa and stole the consecrated host, which is considered as an act of desecration by Catholics. Two ciboria with consecrated hosts disappeared from the secure tabernacle, as discovered by parish priest Father Stanislaw Mikos during Sunday Mass.
Jesus Figure Stolen from Easter Crib
April 13, 2024, ItalyIn the afternoon of April 13, a statue of Jesus was stolen from the Easter crib in the Consolation Parish in Via XX Settembre in Genoa. The first scene of the Easter crib displayed Jesus entering Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.
Sacred objects stolen from Great Yarmouth Minster upset community
April 12, 2024, United KingdomGreat Yarmouth Minster Church was broken into twice within two weeks, first overnight between March 29 and March 30 and then again on April 12, 2024. Besides stealing money the thieves also broke the windows of the church and took sacred objects, namely the bread and wine which has been blessed and kept reserved and some of the sacred oils. "So many people in Yarmouth feel hurt by the fact that a place they consider special and important to community life has been violated," the church Reverend said.
Theft and Arson in Church
April 10, 2024, ItalyAt the church of Castelvecchio di Compito in the Lucca region, a 37-year-old man stole objects worth over 10,000 euros from the oratory, which included liturgical objects dating back to the early 19th century such as two candelabra and a wooden canopy. He set fire to the parish premises and fled.
Purse stolen During Prayer at Mass
April 8, 2024, ItalyDuring mass on Monday, a pickpocket stole a purse containing about 100 Euro and the woman’s phone in the church of Sant'Aniello Abate in Cosenza. The theft happened while the woman was praying.
Vandalism and Theft in Den Bosch Church
April 6, 2024, NetherlandsBurglars broke into St. John's Cathedral in Den Bosch, smashed stained-glass windows, emptied a fire extinguisher inside the building and stole a time capsule intended to be opened in the year 2122.
Liturgical clothings and procession flags stolen from church
March 31, 2024, GermanyOn March 31, a stole, procession flags and clothing were stolen from the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption of Mary in Scheinfeld, Germany. The perpetrator was apparently hiding in the confessional during mass before stealing the objects. The man also damaged the confessional, which caused damage of approximately 200 euros.
"Never again!" Banner Stolen from Church Fence
March 30, 2024, GermanyIn the night from Good Friday to Holy Saturday, unknown perpetrators removed a banner from the fence of St Sebastian's parish and stole it. The campaign slogan: "Never again! - Strong together for democracy and against right-wing extremism!" Investigations are ongoing.
Theft and Vandalism in two Portuguese Churches
March 29, 2024, PortugalIn the night of Good Friday, two churches in the Portuguese towns Golegã and Pombalinho were subjects to theft and vandalism.
Desecration of church in Reggino
March 19, 2024, ItalyThe church of San Giuseppe, in Melito Porto Salvo, in Reggino, was desecrated by unknown individuals. The perpetrators damaged the security cameras, forced entry into the church, stole the consecrated host and scatter the others. Furthermore, a sacred vessel was also taken.
Woman attacked by burglar during mass
March 16, 2024, FranceA woman was attacked by a burglar when entering Saint-Étienne Cathedral for mass on March 16.
Vicar Offers Aid After Church Theft
March 15, 2024, United KingdomWhile the choir was practising in the early evening of March 15, various donated items worth £1,000 were stolen from the St Matthew’s Church in Burnley. However, the vicar Father Alex Frost, reaches out to people in need offering help in response to the theft.
Objects from church art project stolen and vandalised
March 7, 2024, SwitzerlandIn recent weeks, unknown persons have stolen or vandalised five works from a church art project at the Heiliggeist Church Bern.
Theft and excrement in the church of the Madonna dei Sette Dolori
February 26, 2024, ItalyOn February 26, thieves broke into the church of the Madonna dei Sette Dolori in Vasto and stole offerings from the donation box. The perpetrators furthermore left human excrement on the floor of the church. The parish priest expressed his shock and disgust about this gesture of degradation and disrespect.
St. Johann parish church robbed and desecrated
February 20, 2024, AustriaUnknown perpetrators broke into the parish church of St. Johann in Tirol, Austria, and stole and damaged religious objects. The figure of Christ was broken off a wooden cross.
St Stephen and All Martyrs entrance vandalised
February 18, 2024, United KingdomThe stone pinnacles from a church gate were stolen on the weekend of the church's 180th anniversary.
Fire set repeatedly in front of St. Bartholomäus church
February 12, 2024, GermanyFire was set repeatedly in the outdoor area of St. Bartholomäus church in Götzingen. Further, the unknown perpetrators stole, among other things, prayer flyers and sacrificial candles from inside the prayer house and set them on fire on the stairs to the sacristy.
Relics stolen from church of Lonno
February 6, 2024, ItalySacred objects were stolen from the Sant'Antonio Abate Church of Lonno. On February 2, the parish priest Roberto Zanini found the tabernacle damaged. Upon further inspection he noticed that two sacred oils and two small relics were stolen in addition to the statuette and tabernacle being damaged.
A couple who specialised in stealing from churches convicted
February 5, 2024, FranceA couple who specialised in stealing from churches has now been caught and convicted. In 2014 the couple had stolen various religious objects in broad daylight from dozens of churches in the west of France. Once stolen these sacred items were sent by mail to England before being sold.
Vandalism and Desecration of Eucharist in Church
January 31, 2024, ItalyThieves broke into the Church of Saint Mary of the Carmine in Lecce and stole money, desecrated the Eucharist kept in the tabernacle, and turned various sacred furnishings into corpses.
Vandalism and Theft the Sanctuary of the Angels in Cuneo
January 28, 2024, ItalyThe Sanctuary of the Angels Church has repeatedly been a target of vandalism. Most recently, the statue of the Madonna was found on the ground with its little finger missing. While in the past it was mostly the candles in front of the statue of the Madonna which disappeared, this time a vase of holy water was stolen in the church.
Baptismal font and Stations of the Cross stolen
January 27, 2024, GermanyDuring the night of 27-28 January, unknown perpetrators stole the baptismal font and several stations of the cross from the Catholic Liebfrauenkirche in Sinsen, Germany.
Thieves Steal Cross and Statutes from Salford Church
January 22, 2024, United KingdomA statue of Jesus on a crucifix was stolen from outside a church using an electric saw. Along with a kneeling angel and a kneeling figure of St Bernadette.
Hosts and sacred objects stolen
January 8, 2024, ItalyOn January 8, between 2am and 4am, thieves broke into the sanctuary of Beata Vergine dell'Olmo in Portomaggiore, Italy, and stole hosts, sacred objects, video and sound equipment, and damaged the interior of the church. When the parish priest, Don Ugo Berti, went to prepare for the first mass of the day at 6.30am he found the church door open. At first he thought it was an accident, but then he saw that the entrance had been forced open in several places. He quickly alerted the authorities. "I am afraid it was a theft on behalf of Satanists: the hosts could be used to celebrate black masses," the parish priest said.
Statue of Jesus stolen from Nativity Scene - and Returned
January 4, 2024, ItalyOn New Year's Eve, the the statue of Infant Jesus was stolen from a nativity shrine on Umberto I Square in Orbassano, near Turin. However, on January 4 the statue reappeared on the steps of St. John the Baptist Parish with a letter of apology: "I apologise for the stupid gesture. Please put it back where it belongs. Thank you".
Jesus figure stolen from nativity scene
December 30, 2023, SpainOn December 30, the statue of the child Jesus was stolen from the nativity scene on Plaza dela Hispanidad in Cuenca. In a statement, the Consistory lamented that once again this year these acts of vandalism have targeted a heritage "that belongs to everyone".
Angel statue stolen from church
December 29, 2023, FranceOn 29 December 2023, an angel statue was stolen from Saint Peter's Church in Sète, France. The theft has been reported to the authorities and the police are investigating. The thief would have stolen the angel during church opening hours.
Figure of Infant Jesus stolen from Church
December 29, 2023, ItalyOn January 29, Don Severino Bernardini, the parish priest of Sant'Agnese, noticed that the crib was empty: the baby Jesus had been stolen. This is not the first time that this has happened in the parish. Hopefully the priest, who is a man of vision, had another baby figurine in stock. However, Don Severino left a note in the cradle to try and move the thief's heart: "Please take me back to my crib". Although the missing figurine has been replaced, the parish priest hopes that the thief will return the stolen baby Jesus.
Thieves stole 30 crucifixes from cemeteries
December 27, 2023, SpainThrough the theft of up to 30 copper or brass crucifixes severe damage was caused in the cemeteries of Pantoja, Seseña and Borox, in the province of Toledo. Three thieves broke into the municipal cemeteries and tore the crucifixes off the tombstones, causing damage amounting to 20,000 euros in the Pantoja cemetery alone.
18th century crucifix stolen on Christmas Eve
December 24, 2023, SwedenOn Christmas Eve, someone stole the 18th-century crucifix from St Nokolai's Church in Sweden. The thefts must have happened during the Christmas Eve celebration.
Repeated Thefts of Nativity Figures in Ancenis
December 24, 2023, FranceRepeated thefts of figures from nativity scenes have been reported at Ancenis church.
Statue from Nativity Scene Stolen and Church Damaged Before Christmas
December 23, 2023, ItalyOn the 23rd of December, it was reported that a statuette of the nativity scene in the church of Valdagno was stolen. Now, the crib will be secured behind bars. The thieves stole the statue of a priest holding a monstrance and by doing so they also damaged the door, some pews and the steps to the entrance door, where another statue was ripped off. The police were notified.
Nativity scene figures stolen and damaged
December 23, 2023, GermanyBetween December 23 and 30, three figures were stolen from the nativity scene in St Anthony's Church in Amberg, Germany. In addition, a fourth figure was completely smashed. The police are asking anyone with information to contact them.
Desecration of La Piarre Church
December 23, 2023, FranceAccording to the local diocese, the parish church of La Piarre has been desecrated with the theft of a chalice and the desecration of consecrated hosts.
Sculptures Stolen From Church in Rietavas
December 21, 2023, LithuaniaOn November 20, three wooden sculptures, included in the register of cultural values, disappeared from the church in Rietavas, Lithuania.
Armenian Church of St. Mary in Sweden Vandalized Before Christmas
December 20, 2023, SwedenSt. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Södertälje, Sweden, was the target of a raid on 20 December. Intruders gained access through a window leading to a room used for various ceremonies and stole valuable items with great sentimental value for the community. “We didn’t expect this. We are facing an empty altar before Christmas,” said Alexander Sharoyan, the church’s representative. A police investigation has been initiated.
Vandalism to Bethlehem Church Construction Site in Clamecy
December 19, 2023, FranceThe construction site of Bethlehem Church in Clamecy was broken into and vandalised on December 19, 2023. On site, construction equipment was manipulated, diesel siphoned off and some of the keys to the equipment were stolen.
Repeated theft of Jesus figure from nativity scene
December 19, 2023, SpainOn December 19, the Jesus figure from the nativity scene in Benimaclet, Valencia, was stolen again, only ten days after it had previously been stolen and replaced by a caricature. This time, the vandals did not only steal the Jesus figure, but have also painted the word "eviction" on the wooden planks protecting the crib.
Pectoral Cross of Cardinal Wyszynski Stolen From Pilgrimage Church
December 17, 2023, GermanyA pectoral cross donated to the Church in Ortenburg, Germany, by Cardinal Wyszynski was stolen. Unknown perpetrators brok into the case in which it was stored to steal the cross.
Host and sacred objects stolen from the Holy Family Church
December 17, 2023, PolandOn December 17, the tabernacle of the Holy Family Church in Łódź was broken into and the host as well as monstrances, chalices, cans, and other items were stolen.
Church in Piacenza vandalised
December 11, 2023, ItalyOn December 11, the Santa Rita church in Piacenza, Italy, was vandalised, resulting in damages of several thousand euros. Among other things, a cross was destroyed and money was stolen from the offering box.
Figure of Jesus stolen from Nativity Scene and replaced with caricature
December 9, 2023, SpainOn December 12, a figure of the Child Jesus was stolen from a life-sized nativity scene at Benimaclet square, Valencia, just a few hours after the nativity scene was placed there. The unknown perpetrators furthermore replaced the figure with a caricature of Jesus.
Altar Cross stolen from Chapel in Mulfingen
December 8, 2023, GermanyOn December 8, the altar cross, worth several hundred Euros, was stolen from the St. Anna Chapel in Mulfingen, Germany. Local Police started an investigation.
Thirty statues stolen from nativity scene in Tarent, Italy
December 4, 2023, ItalyThirty statues from a nativity scene, worth several hundred Euros, were stolen from the Madonna delle Grazie church in Tarnet, Italy. The thieves also tried to steal the tabernacle but failed to do so. Police started an investigation.
Theft and Vandalism at Church in Casale
December 2, 2023, ItalyWithin one week a church in Casale, Itlay, became both the target of theft and vandalism.
Sacred Objects stolen from Church in Guttaring
November 30, 2023, AustriaOn the night of November 20, unknown perpetrators broke into the pilgrimage church in Guttaring. They stole gold crowns, gold and silver chains that were connected to a picture of Mary. Furthermore, the locked altar area was broken into and religious objects were stolen from the altar. The cost of the damage is unknown and the police are investigating the situation further.
Altar Cross and money stolen from Church in Jülich
November 25, 2023, GermanyBetween November 25 and December 2, an altar cross and money from an offering box were stolen from the St. Martinus church in Jülich, Germany. The police started an investigation.
Statue of Mary Damaged and Cross Stolen from Church in Vienna
November 24, 2023, AustriaOn November 23, Keplerkirche St. Johann in Vienna was vandalized. Witnesses had seen a man who had allegedly tore a statue of the Madonna from an anchorage in the church and stole a wooden cross. Based on the witness statements and video surveillance footage, the police were able to identify the perpetrator. The 29-year-old Syrian man was found near the church and arrested. He will be charged with aggravated damage to property and theft. The stolen cross was returned to the church. The same perpetrator attacked the Viennese St. Stephan cathedral a few days later (see case from November 26, 2023).
Sacred Objects Stolen from Church in Nürnberg
November 24, 2023, GermanySacred objects worth over 1800 euros have disappeared from the St Jakob's Protestant Church in Nürnberg. The theft was noticed in autumn by a group of visitors, who realised that the angel statues, which were normally holding religious symbols in their hands, were now standing there empty-handed. The religious symbols which have been stolen are a Christ monogram, a cross and symbols of scourge, crown of thorns, hammer and nails.
Vandalism and theft in Syrian Orthodox church
November 23, 2023, SwedenIn the night of November 23, the Syrian Orthodox church in Tensta was burgled and vandalised. The police found break marks on a door and broken windows and that some objects had been stolen. On December 8, a suspect was arrested.