Churches are being urged to take extra security measures following a spate of thefts across the county.

Ecclesiastical, a specialist insurer which provides church insurance as part of its services, said churches are being targeted with valuable items and cash stolen.

In one case, at St Mary the Virgin church in Church Street, Littlehampton, thieves smashed a window and stole a candlestick.

A window was smashed and a candlestick stolen from a church in LittlehamptonA window was smashed and a candlestick stolen from a church in Littlehampton (Image: Sussex Police)

Earlier this year, Historic England and the National Police Chiefs Council published a report on heritage and cultural property crime, which found thefts from places of worship to be an emerging threat.

The insurer has advised churches to take measures to protect against these crimes, such as securing the property, reporting suspicious activity, carrying out regular external inspections, repairing criminal damage immediately and reporting theft to the police and the insurer.

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 give their time to worship at the church and also to the potential loss of heritage.

“Sadly we’re seeing more incidents where churches are being targeted, with items such as silver, cash, statues, furniture and even paving stones being stolen.

“While many of these items have limited financial value, they are irreplaceable and the emotional impact of that loss can be devastating.

“There is a real risk the economic challenges in the UK and high value of silver could see an increase in thefts from historical buildings such as churches, so we’re urging churches across the country take steps to protect themselves and follow our guidance which is available through our website.

“We still want churches to be open during the day to their communities, congregation and potential visitors but we must all be aware of the risks.

“It is critically important that churches follow our risk management advice to protect themselves.

“Our team of experts is on hand to support customers and can be contacted on 0345 777 3322.”