From today, a pioneering initiative will be in place to protect churches and faith buildings from criminal attacks.

West Yorkshire Police officially launch Faith Watch at Headingley Stadium rugby ground at 7pm tonight.

The move follows several incidents of theft and vandalism at churches in the Bradford district, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to attack.

Howard Buckley, the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator who will look after Bradford’s Faith Watch scheme, which is expected to be launched at a civic event in the city later in the month, explains that it will run on a similar basis to Neighbourhood Watch.

He says it will involve members of Faith Watch working together with neighbours to share information with police and report anything suspicious.

The aim is to prevent metal theft crime – particularly lead theft from churches which are vulnerable to attack – reduce other crimes such as burglary and incidents of fire; advise on ways to prevent anti-social behaviour and encourage cohesion of faith communities by tackling crime together.

West Yorkshire is the third region to launch the Faith Watch scheme. Similar initiatives were launched in Bedfordshire and Nottinghamshire over recent months.

Howard says that while Bradford is no worse than anywhere else, problems are arising with churches and other faith buildings, including mosques. Theft and vandalism are among the incidents reported.

In October, Birkenshaw Methodist Church was attacked by vandals who broke in, slashed seats and wires to the speakers and piano keyboard and tore a crucifix from the wall. They also attempted to burn bibles.

In Bradford, thieves caused an estimated £9,000 worth of damage as they removed lead worth several hundreds of pounds from St Joseph’s RC Church in Pakington Street.

A solid metal candlestick with a collecting box attached for people to put offerings in when they light a candle in memory of a loved one also went missing.

Members of the congregation are being targeted by criminals, too. According to Fr John Newman, priest at St Joseph’s, people have fallen victim to opportunist thieves who have stolen handbags while they prayed.

To prevent further attacks, the church set up its own safety team involving members of the congregation being vigilant during worship.

Ancient stained glass windows are also vulnerable to attack and theft, which is why some churches have resorted to protecting them with plastic coverings.

Attacks such as those at Birkenshaw Methodist Church and the thefts from St Joseph’s have highlighted the need to protect churches which are often vulnerable because the buildings are not constantly in use.

“Problems are arising with churches being attacked and other faith buildings as well,” says Howard.

Faith Watch will operate along similar lines to Neighbourhood Watch. Bradford was the first city in West Yorkshire to pilot a Neighbourhood Watch scheme after the crime reduction initiative arrived from America. Last year it celebrated its 25th anniversary in Bradford.

There are more than 1,300 schemes in the district, including Keighley and the Wharfe Valley, and an estimated ten million members in the UK – one-in-six of the population. It is the largest voluntary organisation in Britain.

Howard is now appealing to faith leaders to get in touch, especially those with ongoing problems at their premises, so he can build up a database of contacts who can share and receive information which will help in combating criminal attacks.

Churches and other faith buildings will also be supplied with Faith Watch signage to make people aware that the initiative is in operation.

“We can help them combat crime and anti-social behaviour and provide advice as and when we can,” says Howard.

Fr Newman welcomed the initiative: “It is a sign to me that the police are listening and want to help, and also they realise that we can achieve together what we cannot achieve by passing the book to other people. Those two things are really important, so I am delighted about it.”

Anyone interested in starting a Faith Watch scheme at their church, mosque, temple or other place of worship is asked to contact Howard Buckley, Bradford District Neighbourhood/Faith Watch co-ordinator, on (01274) 376228.