Step One
- Formally make the decison to open during the day
- Inform your congregation
- Identify the times your church may be at most risk
Step Two
- Invite a surveyor from your insurance company to advise you
- Invite your local Police Crime Reduction Officer to advise you
- Tell them your church will be open and remember that their advice is free
Step Three
- Identify what is valuable in your church (For example candlesticks, churchwardens' wands, furniture, collection boxes)
- Store any valuable portable items in a locked area of the church
- Ensure all items are recorded, photographed and marked and this reference is kept away from the church
Step Four
- Tell your neighbours that you are opening and ask them to phone someone if they spot anything suspicious going on
- Encourage people to use the church (a busy church is a safe church).
- Consider alpha-dotting valuable portable items. Alarm and secure any larger items such as chairs if they are valuable
Step Five
- Consider putting an alarm in your church. Alarms can cost less than £700
- Consider alarming your vestry as a minimum
- Get at least three quotes for alarms from approved companies. Ask the police for advice
Step Six
- Use a secure table box for donations. Do not use a wall money box as a criminal could cause costly damage trying to remove it
- Do not close your church as a knee-jerk reaction to crime
Step Seven
- Remember, locking your church may not deter criminals
- Your church is there for your community. Let the community help you
Step Eight
- If crime at your church is a particular problem, consider closed circuit television. Wireless CCTV cameras are available for less than £300
- Take advice from experts, not salesmen
BE CONFIDENT, GOD WANTS HIS HOUSE TO BE THERE FOR HIS PEOPLE
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Open your church 
