Memphis Church Burglary Spree

From: WREG Memphis

"A total of 11 burglaries into churches near the Tate and Marshall County line have investigators and all community churches on high alert.

In the last month and a half, seven Marshall County churches and four Tate County churches have all been broken into. Some of them had valuable items stolen, like laptops, flat screen TVs, and even X Box consoles from the youth rooms."

Click for Article Link

Note: Physical security precautions like alarm systems, cameras, and door locks can help prevent similar burglaries at your church facility. Email me if you need more information on specifics for your church building.

Church Security - Baptist Press

In 1999 the Baptist press ran a story on Church Security. It is interesting that after a decade we are still struggling to advance the same message.

The article address three main topics:

Have adequate lighting, both inside and outside.
"Lighting is the No. 1 deterrent to criminal activity," he said.

Have access control.
"We have been into many churches that leave their doors open and allow people to roam the halls at any hour. This is a disaster waiting to happen," he said. "Yes, the church should be open to anyone, and the church is here to minister to everyone. However, just as you wouldn't put a wolf in your child's bedroom and walk away, we must also take the same precautions toward access of God's precious house."

Screen employees and volunteers.

http://www.baptiststandard.com/1999/10_27/pages/security.html