Guarding your church against theft of York Stone
Ecclesiastical Insurance have offered advice to help mitigate against the risk of theft, following a series of significant incidents in the north west region.
In relation to the theft of stone it is recommended that churches consider the following:
1. Engage with local neighbours asking them to keep and extra watch over the church premises, reporting any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Take a note of the vehicle registration number of vehicles involved.
2. Communicate with your neighbours, send flyers telling them they will be informed if any work is planned at the church. Often, offenders appear to be genuine contractors wearing high viz jackets and using builders vans.
3. Review security to the churchyard perimeter. Ensure all gates are locked when the church is not in use to restrict access.
4. Consider introducing security lighting to illuminate unlawful visitors where there is a reasonable level of surveillance from neighbouring properties.
5. Mark stonework with a forensic security marking solution, such as SmartWater
6. Work with local police and ask your community support police officer to include the church in his daily duties.
7. Share your actions with the local press to spread the story to act as a deterrent.
Download the advice from Ecclesiastical Insurance here
19 August 2025