As stated recently by a law enforcement official, it has reached "epidemic" proportions.

He was referring to the theft of copper due to its high re-sale price to scrap yards and one of the biggest targets is Air Conditioning Units - they are large and have enough copper worth stealing.

And yes, you guessed it; church's A.C. Units have become a big, easy target. In fact there have been so many of these thefts the Christian Security Network can track only a small portion of what is actually being stolen.

It seems that every time we see one report we uncover dozens more were taken before the one incident made the news or police blotters. The loss estimates are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars just for the Christian community.

The sad fact is that every time one of these units are taken apart for the copper or outright stolen and taken to another location to dismantle, thousands of dollars in damages is done in addition to the loss of the unit itself. In some instances we have seen $20,000 dollars just in damages to the church building. We have read reports where the offenders hook the A.C. Units to a truck and pull them right off their foundation and off the church wall, ripping out wires and all, dragging it away until they could load it into the back of a truck.

And it is only after such a theft that churches learn what is covered by insurance and what is not. One church reported that the loss and damages amounted to $12,000 and then they found out their deductible was $10,000. This is quite a hit on any church's budget, but to a small church it can be devastating and air conditioning in most parts of the country this time of year is not something you can go without, it becomes a safety and health issue.

These units are difficult to protect, there is no denying that; they are outside, out in the open, very visible and very exposed.

As we always say, security is never 100% but no security is 100% vulnerability, so security measures must be taken to make the "target hard" and maybe deter the thieves in the process (or as I like to see it, if they want it that bad, make them work for it).

So here are some measures that may be taken to protect your A.C. Units.

Lighting

As we always teach, lighting is one of the biggest crime deterrents out there, so light up the area that your A.C. Units are located - criminals hate the light - they are like cock roaches.

Whether you opt for floodlights that stay on from dusk to dawn (with timers or light sensors) or install motion detection floodlights (which I kind of like the "surprise" factor when the lights go on), make sure you install heavy duty lights that make the area very visible to anyone driving or living nearby.


CCTV

If you have the ability to place security cameras focusing in on this area, do so and let the criminals know they are being recorded. Make up signs that say "This area under security camera surveillance" or "Smile! We are recording you with security cameras".

This won't deter all criminals, but it may help the police catch who did it because you are probably not the only victim and they might come back to your church, so help in catching these criminals.

Make sure that if you do install CCTV that they are placed properly and are installed correctly to catch usable images, especially if you have flood lights kick on.

Do some testing with your CCTV.


Fencing

If you are going to install fencing, do it right for what you are trying to protect, remember these bad guys come with trucks and tools, a little fence isn't going to be a big obstacle.

Consult with a fence installer or someone in your church that knows fencing.

A very heavy-duty chain link fence that not only covers the sides, but also encases the top is critical (think of a dog run that is fenced on all sides and top).

Have a gate with a heavy-duty lock; the kind you can shoot a rifle at and it still won't open.

Lastly here is a trick that many security professionals know and most people miss - bury your fence.

Before you install your fence, dig a trench all around the area and bury the bottom of the fence about 36 inches below ground. Set your posts and fence and then backfill the trench.

Fencing is very difficult to slide under or cut when it is buried.


Secure units to the foundation

With all these other measures in place, securing the units themselves to a concrete foundation will help; again you are adding layers to your security and each one makes the thief's job more difficult.


Neighborhood Watch

Get your neighbors involved in watching your property. Make them aware of this crime problem, tell them what you are doing, and ask them to call the police if they see anything suspicious (plus if the flood lights are bright enough they will probably notice when they go on - apologize to your neighbors ahead of time).

Also encourage staff and volunteers of the church to do "drive-bys" when they are in the area; unexpected visits upset the timing of criminals.


Talk to your police

Whether your are rural or urban, talk to your local police, voice your concerns, ask for special patrols and tell them what you are doing to help stop this "epidemic" - they will probably appreciate the help.

This is by no means a complete list; this is an unconventional use of security measures to protect an unconventional target. However the threat is very real and very costly, so think outside the box on this one and let us know if you have come up with any unique security measures.

Stay cool (pun intended).

In Christ,
Jeff Hawkins
Executive Director