The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), a police unit funded by and reporting to the Association of Chief Police Officers, has recently produced Counter Terrorism Protective Security Advice for Places of Worship

The introduction suggests that, though congregations may find it difficult to believe that they could be at risk, it is possible that a place of worship could be the target for a terrorist because of its nature, the size of its congregation or because of a special event. Measures to counter terrorism are also relevant to other threats such as theft, burglary and arson – which remain the greatest threats to places of worship.The authors recognise that places of worship have to be welcoming and accessible and the guide is not intended to create a ‘fortress mentality’; but there has to be a balance between openness and security against the threat of terrorism. Absolute security is almost impossible to achieve; but the measures in the guidance should reduce the risk to as low as reasonably practicable.  We certainly do not intend to be alarmist, but the advice is well worth reading.  NaCTSO have advised the National Chairman that their officers will be distributing copies of the book to places of worship of all faiths and denominations that they have identified as being particularly at risk. However, any church can obtain a copy free, by downloading it here:CT Advice Places Of Worship.pdf
With thanks to the Churches Legal Advisory Service and Paul Donlevey of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office