The New York City Police Department is increasing patrols at churches and other houses of worship across Staten Island following a series of recent criminal incidents at Catholic parishes, according to a Jan. 15 report from Staten Island Advance.
The announcement came at a Jan. 15 press conference held outside St. Ann’s Catholic Church, where law enforcement officials and elected leaders addressed residents amid a series of incidents at four Catholic churches, including burglaries, vandalism, and disruptions at Catholic churches that have occurred since late November 2025.
Those attending the briefing included Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon; Borough President Vito Fossella; state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat; and Father Jacob Thumma, the pastor of St. Ann’s and St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church — both targets of the crimes. St. Roch’s and Sacred Heart Catholic churches were also targeted.
Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, the borough commander, said officers are stepping up their presence to deter further incidents and reassure parishioners after several disruptions in recent weeks, some of which occurred during Masses. Community affairs officers have also been assigned to make regular visits to houses of worship to strengthen relationships and share safety guidance, she said.
Eger said the churches were not targeted because of their religious affiliation, despite all four being Catholic.
“I want to emphasize that none of these incidents indicate the targeting of churches due to religious affiliation,” Eger said. “These acts were of opportunism and theft, with a separate incident involving a mentally ill person.”
Eger added that any disruption of worship nonetheless raises serious concern in faith communities.
“Nobody should feel unsafe where they are praying,” said Scarcella-Spanton, who represents parts of Staten Island’s North Shore and south Brooklyn. “Here with our Catholic community, I just want you to know that we stand with you.”
She added that the incidents merit continued public attention.
“We’re going to be making sure that this issue is highlighted, because I think it’s important to bring light to the fact that this has happened now four times,” Scarcella-Spanton said, according to the Staten Island Advance.
According to police, suspects in the recent cases have been arrested, and prosecutors are working to bring the matters to resolution. Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon said law enforcement is focused not only on making arrests, but also on preventing further incidents and addressing underlying issues, such as mental health needs. Borough President Vito Fossella added that residents “should feel safe in their sanctuary and be able to worship freely,” adding that the borough stands in solidarity with people of all faiths.
The incidents
The first incident occurred at Sacred Heart Church between Nov. 29 and Dec. 25, 2025, where police said four burglaries reportedly occurred, according to the Staten Island Advance. Laptops were among the items stolen.
Since the burglaries, authorities have maintained a constant police presence at the church and deployed a light tower as a security measure, according to the report.
Another incident took place on Christmas Day. Police said a 64-year-old man was arrested after defacing the entrance of St. Sylvester’s Church. Authorities said the man threw a liquid, which Fr. Thumma identified as feces, against the church doors, according to the Staten Island Advance. The suspect was identified through video surveillance and charged with disrupting a religious service, criminal tampering, and disorderly conduct, police said.
Days later, in a separate case, police said they arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with a Dec. 28 burglary at the rectory of St. Adalbert-St. Roch Parish. According to the report, the suspect was taken into custody Jan. 3 and charged with burglary, petty larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and trespassing, authorities said.
The most recent vandalism occurred Jan. 9 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, when a man interrupted the early-morning Mass, damaged the altar area, and broke part of a statue before being subdued by responding officers. Police said the suspect resisted arrest, injuring two officers, and now faces multiple charges, including disrupting a religious service.
The Staten Island incidents come as police in neighboring Rhode Island are also investigating a Jan. 11 break-in and vandalism incident at St. Martha’s Church in East Providence, where someone forced entry overnight and damaged the altar, stained-glass windows, and rectory and living quarters, authorities said.
The church’s pastor, Father Scott Carpentier, told The Boston Globe that a statue of the baby Jesus donated by a parishioner was among the items destroyed.
In the meantime, some parishes have adjusted their practices. According to a report from ABC7 New York, Fr. Thumma said churches that once left their doors open after services are now locking them, a measure leaders hope will be temporary.
“With an increased police presence,” he said, “we hope our churches can remain open and welcoming without fear.”
