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TCN PROFESSIONAL JOURNAL FALL 2021
Safeguarding the Sanctuary : Preventing Crime at Your Church
by Shawn Yingling
CHURCH LEADERS TAKE ON THE ROLE OF SHEPHERDING THEIR FLOCK SERIOUSLY , BUT WHO IS SAFE-GUARDING THE SANCTUARY ? ACCORDING TO FBI DATA , OVER 18,000 CRIMES TARGETING HOUSES OF WORSHIP WERE REPORTED IN 2018 . ROUGHLY A THIRD OF THESE INVOLVED THEFT , LARCENY , OR ROBBERY . ANOTHER THIRD INVOLVED PROPERTY DAMAGE AND VANDALISM .
While the majority of these crimes do not threaten the physical safety of members , the churches who have experienced them know all too well the financial and emotional costs can still be devastating .
WHY CRIMINALS LOVE TO TARGET CHURCHES
Prioritizing the bulk of their resources into outreach programs , churches may choose to forego investments in security measures . Additionally , many churches remain empty outside of Sunday services . Churches that offer programs throughout the week , or rent out their building , may practice poor key management , which can lead to unlocked entrances and windows of opportunity for crime .
Churches also have expensive items criminals love to steal . Sound systems , high-tech audio-visual equipment and priceless artifacts are especially tempting to thieves . Cash donations and private financial information could also be up for grabs .
Fortunately , there are ways to help protect your church from being a target . From simple changes to your property to the latest in technology , there are solutions that can work for every size and budget .
CREATE A SAFETY NETWORK
Recruit a safety network that can act as a “ neighborhood watch ” for your church . Start with your own members , by forming a safety committee . Committee members should help ensure that all safety rules are followed