Identifying Threats and Vulnerabilities in Places of Worship

• In Event: EXTR2 Threat landscape and counter-terrorism1

Abstract

This paper provides a detailed classification of threats and vulnerabilities characterising places of worship. It highlights the exposure of these venues to a spectrum of security threats, from attacks driven by religious or political motivations, including terrorism and hate crimes to crimes devoid of religious or political motives (e.g., theft, violence) or natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, construction fails, pandemics like COVID-19). Further, the paper reasons of the main vulnerabilities that make places of worship particularly susceptible to specific risks. The paper leverages insights from a network of religious communities, law enforcement agencies, academic or security experts and public authorities. Additionally, case studies illustrating these threats and vulnerabilities identified through a systematic scraping of online news articles across EU MS are also presented. By exploring the key threats and vulnerabilities affecting places of worship, this study aims to provide a framework for developing effective strategies to enhance their security and safety. The results presented in this paper originate from the analysis conducted within the EU co-funded project SHRINEs.

Authors

• Marco Dugato, Transcrime / Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan)

• Carlotta Carbone, Transcrime - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

• Ernesto Savona, Transcrime / Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan)