The diocese of Girona has registered eight incidents related to thefts, robberies and damages in temples during 2025, a figure that represents a decrease of 79% compared to the data from 2010. The balance was presented on February 13 in a follow-up meeting between officials of the Bisbat de Girona and the Mossos d"Esquadra.
Sustained descent of crimes in temples of Girona
In 2010, the diocese recorded 38 complaints for criminal acts in churches, hermitages, sanctuaries, and parish centers. Since then, a downward trend has been maintained. In 2025, one theft, four robberies, and three cases of damage to heritage have been registered in more than 1,100 temples distributed throughout the demarcation of Girona.
Police and ecclesiastical coordination
The last follow-up meeting was attended by the bishop of Girona, friar Octavi Vilà, the vicar general, Joan Soler, the chief commissioner of the Girona Police Region, Sílvia Catà, and corporal Jaume Guinó. The coordination device between the Diocese and the Mossos d'Esquadra is based on direct contact between the police stations and the archpriestships, in addition to the advice to the parishes to reduce vulnerabilities.
Preventive measures and advice
Since the implementation of the plan in 2010, several actions have been adopted to protect religious heritage. Among them, the installation of protection and security systems stands out, the replacement of original images with replicas in some temples, the creation of a census of valuable objects and the dissemination of advice on new scams. Periodic contact and visits to parishes allow for strengthening prevention and the detection of possible risks.
- In 2025, the number of incidents in temples in Girona has been reduced to eight.
- The prevention plan remains active with the collaboration between Mossos d"Esquadra and the Bisbat.
- The actions include security systems, advice, and a census of valuable objects.