Lincolnshire churches being advised how to prevent thefts this Easter
Churches have see an increase in historic items being taken.
There's been an increase in church thefts across the country - with advice being shared on how to keep items safe over Easter.
St Andrew's Church in Little Steeping, near Skegness, had two historic paintings stolen in February.
Mark Cowdell is from specialist church insurers Ecclesiastical and has offered this advice: "It's about not being complacent, taking a moment to review security arrangements is really worthwhile.
"Practically things like locking secure items and high valuable items away, practising good housekeeping to just double check that door is definitely locked before you leave.
"Churches are part of the community, so there is multiple sets of eyes and ears around that can help.
"The one thing we've seen that can be really beneficial is making the church the focal point.
"So having events, activities from within the church not only helps churches in bringing people in, but also means that presence becomes quite a significant deterrent.
With Easter considered the most important date in the Christian calendar, churches across Lincolnshire are set to host services and events, bringing together congregations and the wider community.
However, with the extra footfall, there is concern about opportunistic thieves potentially stealing cash and priceless items in the process.
Churches have long been targeted by thieves, often for lead and copper from church roofs, and earlier this year Ecclesiastical revealed more than £500,000 worth of silver was stolen from church premises in 2024.
"Sadly we are seeing more of these incidents with churches being targeted and a lot of these items irreplaceable, many go back, you know, hundreds of years," said Mark Cowdell.
"It's the loss of history that is the big impact, but also it's devastating when a part of that church is gone.
"That's why I think taking steps to protect the church is so important and really not being complacent around this.
"Some of these items are the fabric of the church, they've been there for many, many years."