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

3. 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

5. 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,

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

11. 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

13. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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