Issue 40 winter 23 web - Flipbook - Page 28
Churches urged
to take steps to
prevent arson attacks
Ecclesiastical Insurance is urging churches to take steps to deter arsonists over the summer months.
Already this year six churches have been victims of arson,
including Bolton Parish Church, St Margaret’s Church in
Ilkley and St Chad's Church in Coventry
These include:
Keep your church secure: At night lock your church
doors, windows, and any external gates. Installing security
lights and keeping the exterior well-lit can deter criminals.
Also, consider installing fire alarms, intruder alarms and
CCTV, all remotely monitored by an alarm-receiving
centre that can alert the church if there is an incident.
Ecclesiastical’s claims data shows that on average 28
churches a year are seriously damaged by arsonists, causing
millions of pounds worth of damage to historic buildings.
While thankfully a rare occurrence, the impact of arson
on churches and the wider community can be substantial
as recent significant fires have shown.
Report suspicious activity and encourage use of church
buildings: Use the building as much as possible for church
and community activities. Regularly occupied and used
buildings may be less vulnerable to attacks.
In 2015 All Saints Church in Fleet, Hampshire was
devastated by an arson attack which caused £4.5m in
damage. Following a seven-year restoration and modernisation programme to bring the church into the 21st
Century the church celebrated the completion of the
works earlier this year.
Practice good housekeeping: Keep internal doors shut
and locked when not in use, this can slow the spread of
fire through a building. Safely store items that could be
used to start fires inside the church, for example portable
heaters and matches, and move bins away from the
outside of the building to help avoid the spread of any fire
from bins to church buildings. Take particular care when
building or maintenance projects are being undertaken,
ensuring building materials and waste are stored safely,
securely and well away from the building.
Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical was formed over 135 years
ago to protect Anglican churches and church buildings
against the risk of fire. The Gloucester-based company’s
risk management experts produce fire prevention advice,
including arson prevention guidance, specifically designed
to help protect churches.
Carry out regular external inspections of your church
buildings and grounds: Regularly check your buildings
and report any criminal damage to the police and your
insurers as soon as possible. Cut back vegetation on a
regular basis so the building can be seen by people passing
who may spot suspicious activity.
Jo Whyman, risk management director at Ecclesiastical
Insurance, said: “Our data shows that arson attacks on
churches, while thankfully rare, do still happen and
particularly during the summer months. The impact of these
attacks can be devastating. These senseless acts by individuals not only destroy bricks and mortar, but often priceless
artefacts that have historical significance to our nation.
Repair any criminal damage to the church building
immediately: A damaged building is at risk of further
attacks, including arson. Ensure any graffiti or other signs
of anti-social behaviour are removed quickly. This may
attract further attacks if left.
“Churches are legally required to carry out a fire risk
assessment and in doing so they’ll be able to understand
the risk of fire – including the risk of an arson attack. It is
really important that steps are taken to prevent fires and
by following our guidance you can help to reduce the risk
of arson at your property. The good news is, many of the
recommended measures don’t require capital investment
but simple precautionary steps which could make all the
difference.
Be prepared for fire: Keep up-to-date fire risk
assessments for your premises. Consider ways in which
deliberate fires could be started and how you can prevent
or reduce the risk.
Check your fire extinguishers: The fire risk assessment
for the church will have identified what portable fire
extinguishers are required to meet fire safety obligations.
Ensure these have been regularly serviced and are readily
accessible in the event of a fire.
“Our Risk Management team are on hand to assist our
customers and bespoke guidance and support is available
through our Risk Advice Line as well as general guidance
available on our website.”
To help manage the risk of an arson attack and help
to protect the country’s cherished historic churches,
Ecclesiastical’s risk experts have issued advice to churches.
For more advice on keeping churches safe, visit
www.ecclesiastical.com.
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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