The Church of England has moved millions of pounds worth of valuables to the Tower of London amid fears of coronavirus lockdown looting. The United Kingdom is facing more and more challenges as the death toll of the coronavirus pandemic reaches over 11 thousand and Brexit seems uncertain.

Four hundred churches  across London have transported valuables to the Tower of London amid fears of looting during the lockdown. Millions of pounds worth of valuables, including „rare and unusual” silver, paintings, and artefacts have been moved to the fortress, which has historically been the store of the Crown Jewels since the 1600s and is considered the safest place in the capital. The items were transferred for safekeeping because churches are empty due to the lockdown and the Church of England fears that this will encourage looters to take precious objects.

A Tower of London spokesperson said they were happy to help the churches and will ensure the safety of items for the duration of the lockdown. However, it is not looting that should be feared the most, but people should be aware of the risk of online fraud, the government warned in an announcement on Saturday. Latest figures reveal a 21 per cent drop in crime, but fraudsters adapt to the lockdown and are making millions of pounds by deceiving people online. Statistics also show that there has been a 120 per cent rise in domestic violence and the government is slated to develop a support scheme for domestic abuse victims.

The first two coronavirus cases were registered in the United Kingdom in early February. According to NHS data, currently there are 88,621 confirmed infections and the death toll has reached 11,329. Another serious problem to tackle is posed by the release of a total of 350 migrants by the end of March alone. Their removal was suspended due to border closures and they cannot be detained under British law if they are not awaiting deportation.

There have also been news reports of a Somali immigrant being released back onto the streets. The man was jailed for his part in the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in 2007. Judge Margaret O Keeffe expressed concerns over releasing the migrant as he had previously failed to cooperate with the authorities and had also made an escape attempt, the Daily Mail reports. The judge, however, noted that  „I have to take into account that there is currently no realistic prospect of his removal to Somalia”.