Rapes, drug and firearms offences committed at places of worship in South Yorkshire

Of the 919 offences committed in or outside churches, mosques and temples between January 2013 and April 2016, a total of 248 were acts of criminal damage and 145 were burglaries, according to records revealed by South Yorkshire Police under the Freedom of Information Act.

There was one offence of possessing a gun logged by South Yorkshire Police over the three year period, along with another of possessing a gun with intent.

Three people were caught with knives, nine with cannabis and three with other drugs.

One offence of drug trafficking was logged, along with 12 robbery offences, eight rapes and 11 sex attacks.

There was one racially or religiously aggravated assault recorded as well as four criminal damage offences and one case of harassment.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Singleton, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “We are not aware of any emerging trends in relation to crimes committed at places of worship.

“However, we appreciate the additional sensitivity around crimes committed at these locations and continue to support victims, investigate offences, bring offenders to justice and work with organisations across the communities of South Yorkshire to offer crime prevention advice.

“If anyone has any concerns or wants to report a crime, please contact 101 as this will help us to identify and address any emerging issues.”