INCIDENT books logging crimes and personal attack alarms could soon be the norm in all County Durham and Darlington churches.

They are a response to the rising tide of violence and vandalism sweeping through the religious sector.

A seminar urging priests, ministers, wardens and officials to take action heard on Tuesday from the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev Michael Turnbull, that even his residence at Auckland Castle had been robbed.

The safety and security event was arranged after a Durham Constabulary survey revealed that more than a third of the clergy had been physically or verbally attacked in the last five years: nearly half had their homes broken into and two-thirds said their churches had been vandalised or burgled.

Nick Tolson, national co-ordinator for Churchwatch, said training in personal safety was just as much of a subject for religious students as marriage guidance, "and a lot easier than the Old Testament."

Assaults were split 50-50 between congregation members and strangers.

"Most clergy say at times they feel at risk not so much from the guy on the doorstep, but in situations filled with anger and emotion.

"One recalled being punched in the face by a woman whose son had died. She blamed God."

He advised: "Try going in closer giving a love hug. At least that avoids the punches."

Mr Tolson stressed: "I don't want to teach you karate. I don't think it is appropriate to start attacking people to prevent injury to yourself.

"It is very rare for violence to happen in a church setting and there are other methods of getting out of such situations."

He cited the case of a cleric who saw there was a naked man with a meat cleaver on the other side of his front door - and opened it.

"Take a few seconds to take stock of the situation. Most incidents are minor. Shoves, threats or a smack in the mouth don't cause long-term physical injury. If you decide to fight it will put up the stakes a bit."

Church grounds and cathedrals were often a haunt for drug dealers and drunks.

So there should be a general policy of handing out attack alarms to anyone alone in the church. Some had noxious sprays or flashing lights to add to the piercing noise intended to disorientate the attacker. Telephones to summon help were also important.

"Every church should have a book logging incidents, no matter how minor. It is evidence if you have to report someone to the police at a later date."

He added: "Church people become victims because they stay in a particular situation too long. Walk away from it where you can. Nobody's life is worth saving property.

Dave Turnbull, community fire safety officer for County Durham and Darlington, said there had been 19 church fires in the past seven years, ten of which were malicious.

"It is a sad state of affairs when churches that used to open 24 hours are becoming fortresses. We are looking at prevention rather than a cure."

*The Rev Robert Williamson, Vicar of Darlington's St Cuthbert's Church, said: "The seminar did make you realise that a church like St Cuthbert's is irreplaceable. It has features dating back to the fourteenth century and we have to try to keep it well protected."

The town centre church did suffer from a lot of minor damage and graffiti, but nothing compared with his early days in Kirby, near Liverpool.

Fresh from a police chaplain's course in Wakefield, he added: "They did teach us self defence and how to ensure others don't always get the better of you. I am not such a pacifist that I wouldn't protect myself or others who needed help."