As part of the SHRINEs Project’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the security of places of worship across Europe, the main activity of Transcrime (UCSC) partner has provided critical insights into the diverse range of threats facing these vulnerable spaces. With a growing or riskas and threats posed by criminal activities, terrorism, and hate crimes, Transcrime’s expertise has been crucial in helping SHRINEs identify and address the key vulnerabilities that threaten the safety and security of places of worship.
One of the core insights from Transcrime’s report is the identification of vulnerabilities in religious spaces that are often linked to political and religious extremism. These vulnerabilities, if not adequately addressed, can put entire communities at risk. The report serves as a foundation for the SHRINEs project to design and implement robust strategies to protect these spaces, ensuring that religious freedom and the safety of worshippers are preserved.
A key outcome of Transcrime activity has been the creation of a framework for developing effective security strategies. This framework is not only theoretical but also practical, offering actionable recommendations to safeguard these sacred sites. The core of this effort has been the establishment of a collaborative network that brings together religious communities, law enforcement, academic experts, and public authorities. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to foster cooperation, share knowledge, and create more resilient protection mechanisms for places of worship.
Transcrime, the Joint Research Centre on Innovation and Crime of Catholic University in Milan, acts as a vital partner in assessing the complex security challenges faced by places of worship. At the recent European Society of Criminology (ESC) Conference, Carlotta Carbone, a leading researcher at Transcrime, presented findings from the EU-funded SHRINEs project. Her presentation explored a wide spectrum of threats, ranging from terrorism and hate crimes to theft and even natural disasters, all of which make places of worship particularly susceptible to significant security risks.
The SHRINEs project remains dedicated to raising awareness about the security risks faced by places of worship and providing the tools necessary to mitigate these risks. The findings from Transcrime’s report underscore the urgency of this mission and highlight the critical role that collaboration plays in safeguarding religious spaces across Europe.\
