Churches in Bassetlaw are being urged to take steps to prevent being a victim of theft as they welcome visitors over the Easter period.
The warning comes from Ecclesiastical Insurance with Easter fast approaching, which is considered the most important date in the Christian calendar.
With the extra footfall, there is concern about opportunistic thieves potentially stealing cash and priceless items.
Churches have long been targeted by thieves, often for lead and copper from church roofs, but earlier this year Ecclesiastical revealed more than £500,000 worth of silver was stolen from church premises in 2024.
In February St Andrews Church in Little Steeping, Lincolnshire had paintings removed by thieves, while police are looking for a man caught on CCTV stealing from St Gregory’s Church in Northampton in late March.
Helen Richards, church operations director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Theft from church buildings can have a heartbreaking impact, both on the volunteers and congregation who worship at the church – even more so during such an important time for Christians and the church.
“Sadly we’re seeing more incidents where churches are being targeted, with items such as silver, cash, statues, artwork, furniture and even paving stones being stolen. Thankfully there are steps churches can take to help protect themselves, including storing valuables in a high-quality modern safe in a secure area of the church when they’re not in use, or storing items off-site where suitable alternative security arrangements can be made and with the approval of church insurers.
“We want churches to be open to welcome their communities, congregations and potential visitors – especially during Easter – but we must all be aware of the risks.”
Churches are now being urged to install electronic security protections in the church, such as intruder alarms or remote video surveillance systems, linked to a monitoring centre. They are also being urged to ensure items are recorded in the church inventory and security marked using a forensic marking solution, such as SmartWater, which will assist recovery if stolen. They should also keep portable valuable items in a secure area, the safe where practical, or a locked vestry or similar area when not in use.
