Colm Fitzpatrick
CCTV cameras are helping to reduce crime in churches and are improving parishioners’ safety, a priest has said.
Fr Declan Hurley of Navan’s St Mary’s parish told this newspaper that the church’s security camera system increases the chances of criminals being identified, creating a safer environment for worship.
“We have the constant passage of people and quite often the gardaí request to view our footage and they’re very grateful for our assistance in that regard, so it does mean that CCTV is a positive for churches,” Fr Hurley said, adding that the camera system “provides great security” for Mass-goers.
His comments come after a pickpocket in St Mary’s Church was identified last weekend using video footage captured by the cameras. Although this system plays an invaluable role, Fr Hurley also stressed how helpful it is for attentive parishioners to notify a steward or parish caretaker about any suspicious behaviour they witness.
“When it comes to dangerous places for where you can have your bags lifted and pockets picked, Mass is very low down,” he said.
Echoing these comments, Fr John Walsh OP of Dublin’s St Saviour’s church said that while some people are “weary” of entering churches in disadvantaged areas as security is compromised, the combination of CCTV footage and warning signs about them act as a crime deterrent.
“…It’s good for the people to come to the church every day to be aware as well, so it’s also a warning to people coming in – you are watched. We have CCTV cameras and signs,” he said.