Violent hate crimes targeting places of worship are on the rise across the US. That's why it's so important for religious center leaders and administrators to start taking security seriously.

No one wants to imagine a peaceful Sunday afternoon service turning violent, but the reality is that it can happen anywhere. Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples are all at risk of being targeted by active shooters looking to harm people because of their extremist beliefs.

Hate crimes targeting religious properties, such as broken windows and graffiti, are another threat that these types of facilities face. Though not as dangerous to the physical security of worshipers as other types of crimes, they can lead to unwanted costly repairs and cleanup.

A key concern that many religious center stakeholders have when it comes to beefing up security is that they do not want to inadvertently make it a less welcoming place for congregants. This is a valid concern, but there are ways to improve physical security without drastically altering the appearance or atmosphere of your facility.