The thefts have been described as a “worrying new trend” by Ecclesiastical Insurance, which has urged churches to review their safety measures.
The criminals have used explosives to force safes open and have smashed stained glass windows to get to the silver.
The thefts have taken place in churches across the country, including in the West Midlands and Gloucestershire.
Sherborne Abbey in Dorset was targeted in August, with thieves stealing valuable silver communion items, including a processional cross, two virges, and a bishop’s crosier.
The Abbey’s rector, the Reverend Martin Lee, said: “One thing is quite clear: they cased the joint, as it were, beforehand.
“The Abbey is open every day, and they would have had a warm welcome from the people on the door.
“They were cared for as they came in, when we now know that their intention was to see how they could steal from us.”
Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon, a Grade I-listed 12th-century church, also fell victim to theft, losing a silver plate, chalices, and other sacred items.
The huge spike in thefts has led to specialist insurer Ecclesiastical urging churches to review and strengthen their security measures to protect their property from further attacks.
Helen Richards, church operations director at the insurance company, said: “It’s appalling that thieves would target churches with zero regard for the impact they have.
“Many of the items stolen are irreplaceable and have both historical and sentimental importance.
“This loss of heritage and the impact on the church and its community is devastating.”
She added: “Many of these stolen items are donated to the church and can be hundreds of years old, used by generations of churchgoers, meaning on top of the considerable distress there is the loss of history as these irreplaceable items are lost forever.
“There is a real risk the economic challenges in the UK and high value of silver could see an increase in thefts from historical buildings such as churches, so we’re urging churches across the country take steps to protect themselves and follow our guidance.”
