ChurchSafety

Use these simple tips to learn how to control access to your property, and how to deter criminals from breaking and entering.

Use vegetation. One way some churches are protecting their property is through vegetation. Is there visible, easy access to your roof? Plant a thorny plant or vines on that side of the building to keep people from wanting to climb up that way.

Lock all doors. Many churches have an open door policy during the week. Besides the front door, make sure all other doors around the building are locked. This allows the office worker to see everyone who comes and goes through the doors.

Keep track of your keys. Many churches give out multiple keys. If this is the case, please take some precautions by keeping a record of everyone holding a key in your organization, placing an identifying serial number on keys to track which person has which key, never hiding a key outside your building, and changing the locks periodically and issuing new keys.

Use lighting. Lighting is one of the most inexpensive ways to boost security around your building. Criminals do not like being seen and sufficient lighting in the right places makes criminals feel uneasy. Install protective lighting around locations that someone might use to enter the facilities such as doors, windows, or skylights. The parking lot and street entrances into the parking lot should also have good illumination.

Consider a security guard. Is your church located in a high crime area? You might want to consider getting a security guard.

Install a security alarm. Statistics show that security alarm systems substantially reduce the likelihood of being burglarized.

Get the community involved. Start a Neighborhood Watch program. Contact your local law enforcement agency for more information.

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