Crime or vandalism on church property is concerning. Theft can involve church property, offerings, or tithes. Regardless of its severity, theft is a significant loss for the church. Fortunately, there are steps that churches can take to prevent loss and protect their ministries. The following are measures to deter church vandalism and prevent theft of church property.
Implementing a Security System to Deter Church Vandalism
Statistics show that security systems significantly reduce burglary or break-in risks. Today these systems are more affordable and beneficial for any organization. Further, studies show that most burglars avoid buildings with monitored security systems.
A Monitored Security System will:
- Trigger alarms when breached.
- Notify leadership and/or law enforcement.
- Deter with a well-marked layout.
- Decals and window stickers warn criminals, making them less likely to target your church.
- Visible cameras and wall-mounted systems signal vigilant leadership.
Consider additional crime prevention measures to secure church property:
Lock Up the Property.
- Lock windows and doors of unoccupied buildings.
- Maintain key control, especially during employee turnover.
- Secure ladders, tools, and flammable materials at the day’s end.
Light the Property.
- Illuminate exterior buildings, doors, and parking lots from sunset to sunrise.
- Keep interior entry lights on overnight.
- Install motion-activated lights near doors and windows.
Landscape the Property.
- Trim shrubs and trees around windows and doors to remove hiding spots for vandals and arsonists.
- Clean up trash and combustible materials from church property.
Ask for Lookouts.
- Establish a “Church Watch” program with volunteers watching the property and alerting police to suspicious activities.
- Encourage neighbors to report suspicious people or activities.
Contact Law Enforcement.
- Build positive relationships with local police.
- Invite them to patrol the property at odd hours.
- Inform them of regular worship times and office hours.
Prevent Theft of Church Property with Financial Safeguards.
Protect the essential offerings and tithes collected by your church. Reduce the risk of member theft or individuals embezzling funds. Consider the following precautions:
Train church ushers to safeguard the tithes and offerings during and after collection.
- Ushers should watch for suspicious activities and effectively communicate visually and verbally with other ushers.
- Establish a collection team. Rotate the team weekly or monthly.
Guard access to funds.
- Run background checks or check financial references for volunteers or employees who oversee funds.
- Authorize two unrelated people to count and secure the offerings.
- Count collection money in a locked room.
- Before or after counting, ensure funds stay in a safe or are bank deposited.
- Many churches now receive tithes and donations online. Check with you insurance agent to see if your church has cyber suite coverage.
Separate the duties between the counting team, treasurer, and financial secretary.
- Ensure someone reconciles the bank accounts other than the person writing the checks.
- Establish a finance committee to consistently review the church congregational finance report.
- Consider hiring an outside CPA to conduct an annual review of church finances.
We thank GuideOne Insurance Agency.
We thank Southern Mutual Church Insurance for this information.
More Helpful Tips: Develop a Church Security Plan