Arson Risk Reduction Bradford Fire Prevention PLACES OF WORSHIP Arson Risk Reduction Bradford Fire Prevention

ARSON PREVENTION Most of the fires in Places of Worship are started deliberately 274 fire claims positively identified by insurer as arson, costing over £10m As managers of other types of arson-prone buildings such as factories, shops, schools and hospitals have tightened their security arrangements, petty criminals/arsonists look elsewhere for ‘easier pickings’ Places of Worship are seen as soft targets

ARSON PREVENTION RELIGIOUS ARTICLES OF HIGH VALUE Attractive to thieves and sadly many people no longer regard Religious establishments with the same respect or reverence as before. OPPORTUNIST THEFT Criminals often break into Places of Worship to steal items electronic equipment such as PA systems, televisions and video recorders, computers and musical instruments MINDLESS DESTRUCTIVE VANDALISM Arson and other malicious damage is common and the culprits are often children. PLACES OF WORSHIP ATTRACT VAGRANTS These individuals usually break in for shelter, and can start fires either accidentally or deliberately,

WHAT YOU CAN DO Appoint one person to take responsibility for security. To look at the premises and what goes on within it The person responsible needs to carry out their own “risk assessment” to identify ways in which intruders could start fires, what the effect would be and how to prevent or reduce the risk.

EQUIPMENT Consider installing Insurance Company ‘approved’ equipment Intruder alarm which will sound an audible warning and which should preferably be linked via a central alarm station to the police. Fire extinguishers/hose reels for use by trained people Fire detection and alarm system when linked to the fire brigade via a central alarm station, will automatically summon help when your premises are unoccupied. Security lighting installed adjacent to doors/windows/bin stores can be a powerful deterrent. CCTV Installation of one or more closed-circuit-television cameras may well act as a deterrent

WHAT YOU CAN DO Look at the possible ways in which fires could be started deliberately Vandals or thieves (to cover their tracks) will use any “fuel” to hand to light their fires. Try to ensure there is no combustible material lying around for an arsonist. Don’t let rubbish accumulate - inside or outside. Wheelie-bins should be kept in their own locked compartment or kept well away from the buildings. Matches, candles, paraffin, petrol and liquefied gas can all be used to start a fire and help it spread. Keep all such materials locked away.

WHAT YOU CAN DO Identify the vulnerable points inside and outside your premises Restrict entry Doors and windows - in good repair and locked when not in use Walls, fences and gates - in good repair. Check site is secure before the last person leaves. Valuables should be securely locked away Offices/outbuildings when not in use keep locked

WHAT YOU CAN DO Consider the area in which your premises are located Report any fires or malicious damage to the Police Develop relationships with neighbours to report suspicious behaviour

END OF EACH DAY The person responsible for security should carry out these checks at the end of each day: - No combustible material left lying around - Any flammable liquids locked away - Any valuables safely locked away. - No unauthorized person left in the building - Alarms (if any) switched on - Outside illumination (if any) switched on

SUMMARY Appoint a responsible person to take responsibility for security Consider the equipment you can employ Intruder & fire alarms Security & fire fighting equipment Consider how a fire could be started Adopt good fuel & house keeping practices Identify the vulnerable points inside & outside your premises Doors & windows Perimeter People Consider your environment & neighbours. Report ASB & ASF Develop relationship with neighbours

Thank you for listening PLACES OF WORSHIP Thank you for listening Questions