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For many people, the security of their Places of Worship is very important. There are many different things that you can do to protect your Place of Worship. For detailed advice on security, please contact your local police who will have a crime prevention advisor. The advice is usually free.
A very important thing to remember is that you don't do anything for security that could affect people's safety. There are many rules and regulations about safety covered on this site and you are advised to read through this information before making changes.
Boundary
The first line of defence for any building is the outside perimeter, such as a fence, hedge or outside wall. This is the first area you need to consider when improving security.
Keeping these areas in a good state of repair not only helps make your building look good, but also reduces crime. A well kept property is less attractive to vandals, and also makes your building look used and cared for.
You could install motion sensitive lighting to the outside of the building so that anyone who approaches the building is lit up. If there are trees or hedges obscuring the view from nearby homes, these could be cut down or pruned to improve visibility.
Doors and windows
Your front door needs to be secured with good quality deadlocks. Night latches (also called 'Yale' locks') do not provide enough protection and can easily be forced open. If possible, only use one main entrance to your Place of Worship.
All other exit doors should only be opened from the inside. Usually, these doors are fitted with panic bolts that you need to 'push bar to open'. It is important to note that any fire exit door needs to be readily opened in a fire, and additional locks and chains must never be fitted. A good panic bar is very secure when fitted properly and an alarm is a useful deterrent against misuse.
You can also lock internal doors, especially if you have rooms that where you store valuable items or personal information. You can use traditional locks, digital code locks or swipe card systems. Rooms like Bell Ringing Chambers and Towers should be locked for safety reasons.
A lock is only any good once the key has been turned, so make a routine of checking all doors as you close the building. Try to limit the number of keys you have issued to people to as few as possible and keep a record of who are key holders.
Windows should have some kind of security lock, especially those that people could get to without a ladder. Adding locks to other windows can also improve safety, especially if they limit the amount that the window can be opened.
Inside
Many Places of Worship have valuable items, such as musical instruments and organs, computer equipment and artefacts. These things should be out of sight from possible intruders, out of sight does really mean out of mind in this case.
If you collect cash, it is advisable not to store it in your Place of Worship. Use a collection box that is secured to the wall or floor and avoid using see-though materials. Empty all cash boxes daily and display a sign like 'this cash box is emptied every night'. Permanently fixed cash boxes are not recommended because someone might damage the building if they try to access the money.
Equipment needs to be stored safely in a locked room. Computers can be password protected and equipment like PA systems locked away. Any artefacts of religious significance should also be locked away and used only for religious purposes. Use replicas for all other times, such as when the building is open to the public.
Intruder alarm
An intruder alarm has any different functions, both as a deterrent and to warn you when someone has broken into your Place of Worship. However, the alarm will only go off when someone has broken in, by which time it is too late.
While most systems use an external alarm, you can also get systems, which release smoke into the building to confuse the intruder and hopefully preventing them from taking anything. Many systems can also be connected to a device to automatically dial a telephone (but using it to call the police is not allowed).
It is recommended that you use a reputable company to install the system. Radio systems are available, but it is unlikely that a system designed for domestic use with give good enough protection and might cause false alarms.
You could also add other alarms or alarm systems to provide 24 hour cover of fire exit doors, expensive equipment or things of value.
Arson
A large number of Places of Worship every year suffer arson attacks. Although some are racially motivated, others are started after another crime to cover the evidence or simply because there was an opportunity, like an open window.
Basic security measures will help prevent the risk of arson, and general fire precautions will protect you and your Place of Worship not only against arson but other fires. For more information about arson prevention, contact your local fire brigade who will be pleased to help you.
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