Security and Safety Guidelines
Mosques can be vulnerable as visible symbols of the Muslim community. Implementing robust security measures helps protect the mosque and its congregation. The following guidelines aim to enhance safety and preparedness:

1. Insurance and Legal Protection
   Ensure the mosque's insurance policy is up-to-date and includes coverage for vandalism, hate crimes, and extremist or terror-related incidents.
   
   
2. Surveillance and Monitoring
   
   • Install high-quality security cameras covering entrances, exits, and key areas.
   • Ensure cameras are unobstructed and regularly maintained.
   • Consider adding motion-activated lighting around the premises.
   
   
3. Access Control
   
   • Require visitors to sign in and out for accountability.
   • Monitor or lock doors during prayer times to prevent unauthorised entry.
   
   
4. Emergency Preparedness
   
   • Clearly mark and keep emergency exits unobstructed at all times.
   • Develop and practice evacuation plans with staff and volunteers, including procedures for assisting vulnerable individuals
   • Rehearse safety procedures for different scenarios, including hate crime or attack situations.
   • Meet obligations as required by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn's Law) which requires venues to strengthen their 'preparedness for and protection from a terrorist attack'.
   
   
5. Security Personnel and Communication
   
   • Assign trained volunteers or security personnel to watch over the mosque during prayers.
   • Provide them with two-way radios for effective communication.
   
   
6. Incident Reporting
   
   • Document all anti-Muslim hate incidents, including photographs and descriptions.
   • Report incidents to the police and to an anti-Muslim hate monitoring service, such as the Muslim Safety Net.
   
   
7. Fire Safety and First Aid
   
   • Ensure all fire extinguishers are in working order and regularly checked.
   • Maintain first aid kits on site and train key staff and volunteers in basic first aid.
   
   
8. Suspicious Activity Awareness
   
   • Train staff and congregation members to identify suspicious behaviour or packages and follow appropriate reporting procedures.
   • Identifying potential threats and recording these on a risk register and taking actions to reduce this risk.
   • Encourage vigilance without creating panic.
   
   
9. Regular Security Reviews
   
   • Conduct regular security audits of the mosque premises.
   • Conduct risk assessments for large gatherings, Eid prayers, community events, and visiting dignitaries.
   • Update procedures based on new risks or lessons learned from incidents.
   
   

Funding for mosque security
The government has made funding available to protect mosques and associated Muslim community centres. Applications can be made by these organisations of they have experienced hate crime or if they feel they are vulnerable to hate crime. if successful, the following physical security measures are provided such as CCTV, alarms, secure fencing and gates and security personnel.

Click here for further information

Useful guidance
Click here for The Muslim Council of Britain's 6 Step Guide to Keeping Mosques Safe & Secur (MCB)

Click here Tower Hamlets Mosque Safety and Security Tips