Police stepping up church patrols after attacks in B.C.

As police across B.C. investigate arson and vandalism attacks perpetrated on church properties this summer, they are also taking steps to prevent additional incidents.

“All our neighbourhood police officers are speaking with churches in their area of patrol to either spread awareness/education or to increase police presence,” Const. Tania Visintin of the Vancouver Police Department told The B.C. Catholic.

“They are going over security measures they can take to hopefully either prevent crimes or assist with investigations in the future (i.e. better lighting, installing security cameras).”

Neighbourhood officers are “paying special attention” to churches that have already been vandalized. By the VPD’s count, area churches have been targets of 13 incidents including broken windows, spray paint, and threats of arson in less than two months.

Vancouver police held a press conference July 22 to report they had seen a “dramatic” increase in mischief and vandalism at churches and church properties and were concerned an escalation in violence could lead to more serious damage or injury.

They called on the public to “be proactive” and report anything unusual at church properties, adding there have been incidents of suspicious activity where police were not immediately notified.

Officers in Surrey are also keeping an eye on vandalism and arson to religious institutions, Sgt. Elenore Sturko told The B.C. Catholic.

“Surrey RCMP officers have increased patrols around churches and faith-based institutions following recent arsons and vandalism in cities across B.C. and Canada,” she said.

Sturko said the investigation into St. George’s Coptic Orthodox Church, the target of attempted arson July 14 and then destroyed by fire July 19, is active and ongoing. Apart from those files, there was one report of possible arson outside an Anglican church in Surrey that turned out to be two youth who had lit a small patch of grass on fire.

“We have not noted an increase to vandalism around churches,” said Sturko, adding Surrey RCMP are currently looking into several recent incidents of anti-Muslim graffiti, including near a mosque.

At press time the most recent Christian target in the Lower Mainland was St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Westminster, which was defaced with orange paint and the words “baby killers” and “you’re guilty.” New Westminster Police received a report of the damage July 25 and are asking anyone who witnessed the vandalism or knows who may be responsible to contact them.

“We’re working to find the people responsible for this and hold them accountable,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar in a press statement.

Kumar also told The B.C. Catholic police are increasing patrols in the area of St. Peter’s and other churches in the city, although St. Peter’s has been the only one targeted in the city so far.

In Abbotsford, police have concluded that a fire set at Central Heights Church July 21 was mischief, not arson as initially believed.

“Investigators have identified the person of interest and have concluded that this event was an isolated event and believe that there is no threat to the public or other places of worship.”

A map of the nearly 60 church properties across Canada that have been hit with vandalism, arson, or other attacks since June can be found at tnc.news.

An online petition called “Save our Churches” calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, and federal Minister of Public Safety Bill Blair to condemn the attacks and protect Christian places of worship currently has more than 14,000 signatures.

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