Risk Assessment Information
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Churches & Places of Worship |
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In 1999 an organisation was set up in the UK called National Church Watch. This is part funded by EIG insurance. The Church Watch is a response to the appalling levels of crime occurring in the UK's religious buildings. To give you a feel, the 1999 statistics list about 60,000 religious buildings. There were 11,164 reported incidents of crime. That is a one in five chance of a crime happening in any one year. Church Watch has been piloted in three areas and the system has been able to reduce crime levels by 50% in one year in those locations. The Church Watch system can apply to buildings and people of any faith. |
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The 1999 reported figures breakdown as follows: |
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Violence |
291 |
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Theft/burglary |
5,915 |
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Criminal damage |
4,214 |
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Fire (69% is arson) |
200 |
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Other |
284 |
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As you can see security is a massive problem in such establishments. The Merseyside Police have produced some excellent literature and a video which you may be interested in procuring: |
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Price |
From: |
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Security of place of worship risk analysis questionnaire |
Free |
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Fire risk assessment checklist |
Free |
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Security of Places of Worship booklet |
£5 |
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If you would like to view the contents of the above booklet click here |
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"Faith secured" video by Church Watch |
£ 5 |
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Euronova products have been positively reviewed by Church Watch and are generally aimed at protecting valuable artefacts from theft especially during daylight hours. Most churchwardens do not appreciate the value of their church's contents but here are some typical antique values (source Trace Magazine): |
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A lectern |
£1,000 to £2,000 |
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Bible |
Upto £2,500 |
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A chalice |
From £500 to £10,000 |
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Communion service |
£5,000 |
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Oak chest |
£4,000 |
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Tabernacle |
£4,000 |
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Candle sticks |
£500 or more |
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Anything that you suspect might be of value (over £1000) should be photographed and the photos stored off the premises. It is probably worth getting them expertly valued - EIG insurance can help here - they can also recommend security. In addition they should be secured in someway, in a safe or a locked, alarmed room. It is a good idea to attach alarms to items on display in the church, especially candlesticks, the eagle lecterns (which have a good market in the USA), paintings, Oak chests and the bishop's chair. |
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Euronova alarms include the Anti-snatch alarm, which can be used to protect furniture and paintings and the ChurchSitter™ system for candlestick protection. See church security
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Other links... |
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