Approximately one in eight churches is victim to a theft or burglary each year, and an increasing number of churches are experiencing vandalism, arson and other tragic crimes.  Without sufficient security, today your church and property are more valuable to crime than ever before.  While having a central security and fire alarm system with video security cameras is ideal, these systems are not a financial reality for every church.  Still, churches can practice security measures at little or no cost by following the “5Ls” of crime prevention.

Lock Up

• Make sure doors and windows are locked when the building is unoccupied.
• Use one-inch deadbolt locks on exterior doors.  Doors should be made of solid core (not hollow) construction and, if hinged on the outside, should have tamper-proof hinges.
• Lock windows and consider burglar-resistant or wire-mesh glass.
• Keep record and control of all building keys, particularly if there has been a turnover in employees.
• Lock up ladders, tools, and flammable materials, such as cleaning supplies and gasoline at the end of the day.
• Secure stairways and fire escapes that provide access to the roof.

Lighting

• Illuminate exterior buildings, doors and parking lots from sunset to sunrise.
• Update timers for exterior lights following time changes.
• Keep interior entry lights on during overnight hours.
• Consider installing motion-activated lighting near doors and windows.

Landscaping

• Keep shrubs and trees trimmed around windows and doors to eliminate potential hiding places for arsonists and criminals.
• Do not allow signs or displays to block the view of the building.
• Pick up trash and other combustible materials from the church property.

Lookout

• Establish a “Church Watch” program in which members volunteer to drive through the property at various times throughout the week and alert police to anything suspicious.
• Ask neighbors to contact the police to report suspicious persons or activities.

Law Enforcement

• Develop positive relationships with local police and invite them to patrol the property at odd hours.
• Familiarize police with times of worship and church activities so they will be alerted when people are unexpectedly present.