Chelmsford Diocese has topped the league for the worst place in the UK for theft of lead and other valuable metals from churches.
According to Ecclesiastical, churches across the diocese made over 90 claims with the insurer in 2011, while the dioceses of Lincoln and Lichfield took joint second place with over 80 claims each.
Overall, 2011 has become the worst year on record for theft of metal from churches at 2,500, total claims surpassed Ecclesiasticals previous 2008 high of 2,400.
The figures come as a new survey by the charity insurer suggests overwhelming support from the public for tougher laws on metal theft.