Protecting your Place of Worship
In an ideal world, criminals would have the respect to know certain places were totally off limits. Surely no one would be malicious or desperate enough to burglarize or vandalize a place of worship. Sadly, this isn’t the case. Burglars will break in anywhere they believe there are items of value.
Why Religious Facilities Are Targeted
Burglars and vandals target places of worship for many reasons.
Welcoming Feel
First and foremost, religious leaders want people to feel welcome and comfortable, including non-congregants who might be looking for solace. And fences, gates, locked doors and other normal deterrents may seem unwelcoming. As a result, many facilities don’t have them. Thieves rely on this openness to get to what they want.
Budget Constraints
Religious facilities often operate on funds from donations and fee based services. They also make significant contributions to the community, education and programs. As a result, they may not have much disposable income to invest in a security system. Criminals take advantage of this vulnerability.
Valuables for the Taking
Religious facilities have valuable items onsite, including computer equipment, sound systems, musical instruments, cash and other items that can easily be pawned for cash.
Opposition
Vandals may target places of worship because of their own opposing views. FBI data shows hate crimes have been increasing over the last couple of years. Many of these types of crimes are based on a person’s religion. Opponents may choose to destroy property or otherwise vandalize a religious center. Unfortunately, some have even escalated to violence against workers and congregants.
Captive Audience
Criminals also target members while they attend a service at their place of worship. Thieves know that the service will last at least an hour and that there won’t be much activity in the parking lot in the meantime. They take the opportunity to break in to cars. They may hit several cars without being noticed or disturbed while everyone is inside.
Precious Metals
Criminals steal air conditioning units to retrieve the copper to be sold for scrap. In particular, these copper thieves have hit churches hard. Churches will typically have multiple units and they are usually outside and unprotected. As a result, they are seen as easy targets.
How to Protect Your Religious Facility
Take steps to protect your facility from burglary and vandalism. With a professional’s help, conduct an audit of your building’s security. At the minimum, having video, access control and an intrusion system installed are all recommended.
Video Surveillance
Invest in a surveillance system with indoor and outdoor cameras. Just the presence of a video surveillance system is often enough to deter burglars and vandals. If a crime does occur, the police can use the video to help identify the suspects.
Remote access allows members and staff to watch the cameras in off-hours. Similarly, parking lots can be watched real-time during services to stop the opportunists from breaking in to cars. Don’t forget to watch each air conditioning unit as well!
Access Control
Limiting access to areas where valuable items are stored reduces the chances of someone gaining entry. Control access with keypads or card readers, so only authorized people can enter areas. In addition, locks can be on a set schedule. This is especially helpful during evening hours when only parts of the facility are being used.
Alarm System
Last but not least, install an alarm system with sensors on all doors and windows. The alarm will go off when anyone comes in through a door or window. Motion detectors will detect someone who has somehow made it inside the building. Finally, sensors can be added specifically to the air conditioning unit and will notify the police if the system is being tampered with.
We Can Help!
Cultris Security Systems has been protecting places of worship in the greater Houston area for 13 years.
We can conduct a security audit of your religious facility and recommend a system that fits your needs and your budget. Even if you want to start small and build from there, we’re happy to help!
Contact us today at 281-506-8466 or visit us online!
