Security is an important consideration in managing your building to ensure that all users feel safe and confident.
If you encounter a security issue such as anti-social behaviour or discover a crime and the suspect is no longer at the scene you should contact your local police by dialling 101.
In an emergency such as if you interrupt a crime in progress or feel that there is an immediate danger to person or property you should dial 999. Do not enter a building if you feel unsafe.
If you have safeguarding concerns, contact the safeguarding team.
In addition to the information below, Ecclesiastic Insurance has compiled resources on church security.
The National Church has also issued the following guidance: Security and Crime Prevention | The Church of England
Open Churches
Building security does not necessarily mean your building needs to be locked at all times. In fact, the DAC encourages churches to try keeping their buildings open wherever possible so that the public can enjoy the rich history and heritage of the local area and experience the presence of God in our worship spaces.
If you are keeping your building open Ecclesiastical Insurance has the following advice on how to mitigate some of the potential risks: Open Churches | Risk Management
CCTV
Visible Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras can contribute to the prevention of crime by acting as a deterrent to some criminals. They can also help users of your building feel safer by signalling that your building is protected. They are also useful in helping to identifying potential criminals in the unfortunate event that a crime does take place.
If you want to upgrade your existing CCTV system or if you do not have CCTV already and would like to install a new system, you will need to make sure that you have the appropriate permission (see permissions). The type of permission required can vary depending on whether your building is listed and how the system operates. Contact Gemma Shearwood if you are unsure.
All CCTV installation and monitoring must be compliant with guidelines set by Information Commissioner’s Office: CCTV and video surveillance | ICO
The National Church also provides the following guidance on installing CCTV cameras: CCTV | The Church of England
Consider the installation of CCTV cameras, particularly if you have a history of antisocial behaviour and crime in your churchyard and your church.
Metal Theft
Lead and metal theft continues to be a nationwide problem for church buildings. This crime can have immense financial consequences, in addition to the immediate costs of repairing and replacing stolen metals, the PCC might also incur associated costs of repairing damage caused by thieves attempting to climb onto the roof, and damage caused by potential water ingress through the damaged roofs.
The DAC urges all churches in our diocese to remain vigilant and take practical steps to reduce the possibility of being targeted. Some of these measures may require permission (see permissions) before being installed. Suggested measures can include but are not limited to:
- Using Smartwater.
Smartwater is a forensic technology which can be used to catch criminals signs warning. Make sure that signs warning about the use of Smartwater are prominently displayed around your building to deter thieves. More insofrmaiton is available through the Smartwater website: Secure Your Church - SmartWater Shop - Fitting a roof alarm.
Your insurance provider might not provide full cover for metal theft in high risk churches unless a roof alarm is fitted. Grants for roof alarms are offered by the Benefact group: Roof Alarm Grants. For more on grants and fundraising see: Grants and Fundraising. - Keeping your noticeboard up to date
Thieves are less likely to target churches which appear busy. A tired, outdated noticeboard might signal to potential thieves that there is not a lot of activity or care for the church, even if this is untrue. - Foster good relationships with your neighbours
Neighbours can let you know if they have seen anything or anyone suspicious around the church building when you are not there. It is also good practice to let your neighbours know if you are having any work done so that they can be aware of contractors in your church and churchyard - Contact your local Police Community Support Officer
Your PCSO might be able to discuss the risks to your building and possibly arrange to visit
In addition to the guidance above, advice and resources are also available from Historic England: Theft From Places of Worship | Historic England.
Ecclesiastical also have the following advice on roof protections and risks: Church Roof Protection Systems | Risk management.
- If you experience metal theft on your church and need urgent permission to make the roof watertight, please contact the DAC staff, your Archdeacon or the Diocesean Registry who can send your request to the Chancellor.
- If you experience any type of theft of building materials (such as lead or paving stones), report it to the police immediately and ask for it to be recorded as a heritage crime. The penalty for a heritage crime can then be higher if the perpetrator is caught. You should also contact your insurer and Archdeacon as soon as possible.
- You may also want to consider writing to your MP, as previous changes to legislation have helped to combat some instances of metal theft, particularly petty theft - so it is good for MPs to be able to bring these issues to parliamentary colleagues.
- We keep a record of instances of theft to enable these to be fed back to the central Church for evidence in their strategic work to address these issues.