Warwickshire Police

The general designs and function of a church or place of worship makes general security more complicated but a great deal can be done at modest expense.

The modern criminal is able to take advantage of the traditional church as a building that is open for prayer and worship or for sightseeing at all times.

Even when churches are locked when not in use the graveyard can provide ample cover and is surrounded by low walls, which assists the thief to avoid detection.

Today, criminals have become specialists with a genuine, and often good, knowledge of church furnishings and their value, including the disposal of art or church antiques to the waiting-trade for these items. The rise in value and the increase in demand for these items have made church properties a target.

Do not adopt the attitude "it will never happen to us." The criminal may not come from your community, he may come from the other end of the country.

To view church crime prevention advice in full, please click on this link.