Churches in Leicestershire are being burgled at the rate of more than one a week. A total of 17 churches in Leicester, Market Harborough, Lutterworth and Loughborough have been targeted since April.
Stained glass windows have been destroyed and thousands of pounds worth of valuables taken.
Detectives believe all the burglaries were committed by the same people.
In each case the intruders entered the churches by smashing windows.
Police say many churches have now removed valuable items from displays, but offenders are still breaking in.
Stolen items included a �12,000 antique table, church ornaments, and collection plates and boxes.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the burglaries to come forward.