All cases
Vandalism and Theft to Church in Fragagnano
June 3, 2022, ItalyThe Maria Santissima Immacolata church in Fragagnano, was broken into on during the night of June the 3rd by a 38-year-old Moroccan. The man tried to steal money from the offering box as well as sacred objects, but was caught by the carabinieri who then retrieved the stolen goods. In trying to access these items, he caused a large amount of property damage that will cost around 1,000 euros to repair.
Sacristy of San Giuseppe Church in Grosseto Vandalized
June 2, 2022, ItalyOn June 2nd, the San Giuseppe Church in Grosseto was vandalized by a person who was caught on camera but has not been identified. A man in his 40s entered the sacristy and upset drawers that contained linen for the altar and objects for worship. He didn't steel anything but smashed a wooden door. This was one of several thefts and vandalism that have happened to churches in this area in recent weeks.
Man Arrested for Stealing Relic of Virgin in Spain
June 2, 2022, SpainThe Guardia Civil arrested a man that allegedly stole the Rosary of an image of the Virgin in Calañas. The investigation began on 2 June, when a report of the theft was received from the Sister Major of the Brotherhood concerned. The incident occurred when the relic was being exhibited in the left hand of the image of the Virgin of Amargura, in a chapel of the church of Calañas "Santa María de Gracia".
Serial Thefts in Celano Churches
June 1, 2022, ItalyOn the 1st of June, thefts were recorded in the churches of the Madonna delle Grazie and Madonnina, both of which are in Celano. The thief broke the candelabra to access the offerings which were inside. A few days earlier, thefts also occurred in the churches of San Giovanni Battista, and Sant'Angelo. This series of thefts, which was under investigation, targeted sacred places and has angered the congregations of each.
Door from Enna Church Set on Fire by Unknown Vandals
June 1, 2022, ItalyThe wooden side door of the Sam Marco church in Enna, was set on fire by unknown vandals on June 1st. The arson greatly upset the people of Enna who hold the church at great value due to its history and religious sacredness. The fire brigade was called to put the fire out and the Carabinieri investigated the crime.
Men Arrested in Neumarkt for Repeated Theft and Property Damage to Churches
June 1, 2022, AustriaOn the 1st of June, two Romanian men, aged 42 and 50, were caught red-handed emptying the offering box of the church in Neumarkt. They have "partially" confessed to trying to steal money from 20 churches in Lower Austria. The total damage caused, was estimated to be around 800 euros.
Sacred Items Stolen from Church in Fécamp
June 1, 2022, FranceDuring the night of June 1st, thieves forced open the door of the abbey church of Sainte-Trinité in Fécamp, and stole a sacred item kept in the sacristy. They took two vials containing "Precious Blood" which is believed to be from Jesus when he was crucified. Bishop of Le Havre, Mgr Jean-Luc Brunin, lamented: "This theft is an unbearable attack on the faith of all people who remember the Salvation obtained by the sacrifice of Christ."
Major Theft of Valuables from Mespelbrunn Church
June 1, 2022, GermanyPolice were investigating an incident in which unknown intruders forced their way into the Mespelbrunn church. They took several sacred coins and jewelry out of a glass case and then fled. The cost of the property damage was around 500 euros but the precise amount of stolen goods was still being quantified.
Church Doors in Gischow Damaged with Inscription by Vandals
June 1, 2022, GermanyIt was reported on the 1st of June, that the door of the Evangelical Church in the town of Gischow has been damaged, just a couple of days after graffiti on a church in Plau. The inscription was hard to read, but it was carved with a sharp object on the wooden door of the church, causing great damage.
Increased Vandalism to the Church in Olpe
May 31, 2022, GermanyThe latest act of vandalism to the Kreuzkapelle in Olpe, which happened on May 31st, damaged the historic door but was only part of the vandalism the chapel has recently experienced. The surrounding area is often littered and people's rubbish is thrown into the nave, as well as benches and windows are broken. The increase in incidents happened after the church lay dormant for many years and then was restored.