All cases
St. Oswald's Parish Church Reduces Opening Hours After Vandalism
August 1, 2023, United KingdomSt Oswald's Parish Church in Oswestry has implemented new opening hours in response to reports of vandalism and unacceptable behaviour on its premises. In a Facebook announcement, a church spokesperson expressed regret over the need to reduce the opening hours, citing recent incidents of vandalism and unacceptable behaviour as the driving force behind the decision.
Vandalism at the Church of San Sebastiano
August 1, 2023, ItalyOn the evening of August 1, unknown perpetrators vandalised the plaster and some masonry parts of the Church of San Sebastiano in Montopoli.
Statue of Mary Damaged in L'Aquila Church
August 1, 2023, ItalyIn L'Aquila a young man damaged a statue of Mary in the church of San Pio X. According to initial police reports, the young man defaced the statue with a Hebrew tetragram after waiting for the departure of worshippers. He then forcibly pulled the statue from its pedestal, causing damage to its arm and legs.
Vandalism Strikes Historic Cleeberg Church
August 1, 2023, GermanyA historic village church in Cleeberg, dating back to 1355, has been targeted by vandals, leaving the community in shock. The occurrence, discovered on the evening of August 1, involved the destruction of property and the desecration of religious items, including damages to the Bible on the altar.
Church remains closed after disturbances
July 31, 2023, United KingdomBetween July 30 and July 31, unknown individuals caused disturbances at St. Andrew's Church in Barningham. The perpetrators entered the church and took plants and pots from a funeral service, rolled up a carpet, interfered with the church organ, and discarded wrappers. The church now has to be locked during the day.
Vandals Damage Statues in Chapel in Żuklin
July 31, 2023, PolandIn Żuklin, in Kańczuga commune, two religious figures were vandalised by unknown perpetrators. The damage caused to the chapel was noticed by residents who were shocked upon discovering the act of vandalism. The eyes of a statue of Mary and a statue of Jesus were defaced.
Desecration of a painting of the Last Supper
July 31, 2023, PolandOn July 31, the Parish priest of the Our Lady Queen of Poland church in Chojnice reported that the Last Supper painting near the church entrance was vandalised. Specifically, one of the Apostles' faces was cut out.
Teenager Sets Fire to Liebfrauenkapelle
July 31, 2023, GermanyOn the 31st of July, a fire broke out in the Liebfrauenkapelle in Neuhausen, damaging several furnishings. The authorities were promptly alerted by a 78-year-old man who was passing by and had noticed a teenage boy running away.
Theft and vandalism in the Grästorp's Church
July 31, 2023, SwedenOn July 31, 2023, the perpetrator caused significant damage to a church in Grästorp. The man smashed a window and emptied a fire extinguisher in the church. The damage is estimated at SEK 13,350 (1,400 euro), according to the indictment. At the same time, he and an unknown accomplice committed theft by taking a cassock. The perpetrator was arrested, but denies the offence.
Thousands Stolen from Church During Mass in Ferentino
July 30, 2023, ItalyOn the 30th of July, a group of thieves targeted the church of San Giuseppe in Ferentino (Frosinone), seizing several thousand euros from the sacristy while the parish priest, Don Fabio, was celebrating mass. The perpetrators forcefully entered the sacristy, breaking down its door, and escaped with an estimated loot of three thousand euros.