Thisismoney are today reporting that some 100 churches across the UK have opened up their car parks to help raise funds for church upkeep and security.
The move follows on from a report carried out by the Countryside Alliance that revealed over 20,000 crimes had been recorded on or in church and other religious property over 2 years, from 2017-2019.
The church claims that by having more people use the available parking spaces it has and increasing the general presence of visitors in and around church property, it has reduced the level of anti-social behaviour recorded.
St Wilfrid's Church's based in Harrogate is one of the churches who have have opened their car park for general public use. Their facilities and commercial manager, Rebecca Oliver, said: 'The parking income helps to support the running costs of the church, which as a Grade I listed building are significant.'
She added: 'Using YourParkingSpace.co.uk is a straightforward and affordable way for a church to monetise its car park, without having to spend a lot of time managing it.'
After submitting Freedom of Information requests to the UK's 45 police forces (of which 41 responded) the Alliance found there were 20,168 crimes over the 24-month period.
These were a catalogue of offences, ranging from rape and murder to petty theft.
Harrison Woods, managing director at YourParkingSpace.co.uk, said: 'The extra income is just one benefit as a busy car park deters anti-social behaviour, while visitors could also be tempted to have a look around the church if it is allowed.'
Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance, who conducted the original investigation, said: 'This is an incredibly sensible move by churches in their ongoing fight against anti- social behaviour. Our report found a shocking 20,000 crimes reported over 2 years, which included some incredibly heinous acts of violence on and in church property. I hope this initiative goes a way to protecting the public and churches going forward.'