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Statement

Strengthening Mosque safety: A call to action for the Community

Community safetyLuton Mosques

Historical statement · published 5 October 2025. References and circumstances reflect the time of publication.

This historical statement contains time-specific reporting and security guidance. Use the current official information linked below when seeking help or reviewing arrangements today.

Current support information

We are deeply saddened to hear of the recent arson attack on a mosque in East Sussex (BBC report). Over the last few months, there has been a sharp escalation in anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia across the country. This has included both online and offline abuse, the defacement and vandalism of mosques, and verbal and physical assaults on members of our community.

At this critical time, Luton’s mosques must remain vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard our congregations and our places of worship.

Immediate Steps for Mosque Committees

We urge all mosque management teams to:

  1. Remind congregations to remain vigilant, especially vulnerable members of the community. Encourage worshippers not to walk to the mosque alone, particularly at Fajr and Isha.

  2. Ensure robust security measures and safeguarding protocols are in place — review CCTV coverage, check emergency exits, and update safety policies.

  3. Report any suspicious behaviour immediately by calling 999. Do not ignore unusual activity around the masjid.

  4. Be aware that Bedfordshire Police will be providing extra patrols around our mosques — cooperate with them and keep them informed.

  5. Apply for the Home Office Protective Security for Mosques Scheme to access funding for security improvements: Protective Security for Mosques Scheme.

Additional Security Best Practice

Building on the Muslim Council of Britain’s safety guidance, mosque committees should also:

  • Hold a fire safety and evacuation drill to ensure congregants know the exit points in an emergency.

  • Organise meetings with neighbours to build understanding and support around the mosque.

  • Share regular security updates with your community through WhatsApp groups and noticeboards.

  • Consider arranging security personnel for busy times such as Jumu‘ah and Taraweeh.

A Shared Responsibility

The safety of faith centre and their congregations is a collective responsibility. We must remain calm but vigilant, take sensible precautions, and work closely with one another, with local authorities, and with Bedfordshire Police to ensure that our mosques remain places of peace, prayer, and sanctuary.

May Allah protect all our communities, grant safety and dignity to every worshipper in their places of prayer, and make faith centres beacons of light, peace, and security.

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