Copper thefts surge at churches in Denmark as criminals target ecclesiastical buildings

Copper, despite costing no more than 50 kroner per kilo, has become a sought-after target for thieves. Recently, churches in Tjørring and Lind, near Herning, have experienced this issue firsthand. “I cannot comprehend how anyone could think of stealing from our ecclesiastical buildings,” stated Hans Henrik Nielsen, chair of the Economic, Buildings, and Green Transition Committee within the Danish National Association of Parish Councils.

Søren Poulsen, chair of the parish council for Rind and Kollund, described his shock upon discovering that 15 to 18 square meters of copper cladding had been stripped from the parish house façade overnight. Unfortunately, this isn’t isolated; many churches across Denmark are facing similar thefts. Insured properties have reported that the amount of stolen copper in just this year matches the total stolen over the past three years, according to the Church’s insurance agency.

The thefts leave church councils perplexed about the motivations behind such crimes. Nielsen expressed his dismay, highlighting how significant the loss is when entire sections of buildings are targeted, as seen at Baunekirken, where 50-60 square meters of copper were taken.

Law enforcement has indicated that the perpetrators could be traveling criminal groups or local offenders involved in metal thefts. “Metal theft is not a new phenomenon; what’s new is its prevalence at churches,” explained Kresten Lund Breinhild, a police commissioner in Mid and West Jutland. With 31 reported cases this year alone, police face challenges in investigating due to the often remote locations of these churches, making them easy targets. In response, affected churches like the one in Tjørring are enhancing security measures, including installing professional video surveillance and lights during nighttime.