Two-thirds of Bradford's church buildings have been damaged and vandalised in the last two years, a senior church leader warned today.

Insurance claims for damages and thefts in Bradford since February, 2001, now amount to more than £100,000. In some cases, such as at St Michael's and All Angels Church in Cottingley, near Bingley, churches have suffered from multiple attacks.

The Venerable Guy Wilkinson, Archdeacon of Bradford, said criminal damage to church property had been steadily rising over the past few years.

"We have a hugely high level of theft, vandalism, break-ins and general malicious damage against church buildings across Bradford," he said. "It is a very serious matter for us, and happens equally in suburban and inner urban areas.

"It is hugely time-consuming and very distressing for those involved and is bad for our communities. Sadly, it is part of our society where some groups have no affection or respect for community buildings."

Of the 65 churches in the Bradford Council area, 41 have made a total of 95 insurance claims over the last two years. The diocese has responded by following security guidelines from their insurers and fitting up-to-date burglar alarm systems, some which link directly to private alarm companies which alert the police of trouble.

The Ven Wilkinson added: "But churches are remarkably resilient and clergy insist on keeping their buildings open to the public."

Prince Charles came to the re-dedication service for the new war memorial at St Michael's Church in Cottingley last September after the figure of Christ was torn apart and his head used as a football last May. Last month, it was torn down again and has now been restored and replaced. The total cost is about £3,500.

The church's vicar, the Rev Sue Pinnington, said: "When I arrived three years ago, there was constant graffiti and physical damage to the church and windows, but since we involved the young people over the last year, it has dramatically dropped."

Seven thefts of Yorkshire slate from sections of St Wilfrid's Church roof in Calverley have cost up to £4,000 each time. The Reverend John Walker hopes an updated alarm system will deter thieves in future.

The Reverend Stephen Treasure of All Saint's Church, Little Horton, has claimed for eight flagstone thefts, along with graffiti attacks and the theft of elaborately carved chairs, which had been in the church since 1864.