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Arson at Peacehaven Mosque: A Wake-Up Call for UK Muslims to Secure Local Places of Worship-The suspected arson attack at Peacehaven Mosque in East Sussex serves as a chilling example of the rising tide of hate targets facing the Muslim community in the UK. While police investigate the Saturday night incident as a hate crime, it underscores an urgent question for Muslims across the country: What steps can be taken to save our local mosques?
On Saturday, October 4, emergency services were called to the mosque on Phyllis Avenue around 9:50 p.m. following reports of a fire. Police immediately launched a high-priority investigation, officially treating the incident as a hate crime, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
The attack, allegedly carried out by two individuals, involved setting fire to a vehicle directly in front of the mosque, as confirmed by a statement from the mosque's spokesperson on Instagram. Though thankfully there were no reported injuries, the blaze damaged the mosque's front entrance and the parked car. The mosque will remain closed until further notice, leaving the local community shaken.
Sussex Police Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna stressed the seriousness of the investigation, appealing for any relevant information, including CCTV, Ring doorbell, dashcam, and mobile phone footage.
Det Supt Bohanna acknowledged the distress felt by the Muslim community and committed to a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime. To reassure worshippers, police have increased their presence at the Peacehaven site and are conducting additional patrols at other places of worship across the county. The investigation into the arson is ongoing under Operation Spey.
Proactive Measures: How Muslims Can Save and Secure Their Local Mosques
The incident at Peacehaven highlights that mosques are increasingly becoming main targets of hate attacks in the UK. Instead of waiting for the next incident, Muslim communities are encouraged to take proactive and immediate steps to bolster security:
Enhance Physical Security:
Install High-Quality CCTV and check it's working: Ensure cameras cover all entrances, exits, parking areas, and the perimeter. Use cameras that function well in low light and it's working.
Improve Lighting: Install bright, motion-sensor lighting around the building to deter trespassers and aid surveillance footage.
Secure Doors and Windows: Review and reinforce all entry points. Ensure all doors and gates are properly locked and maintained, especially during off-peak hours.
Community Vigilance and Reporting:
Establish a Local Watch: Organize dedicated mosque volunteers to patrol during busy times, particularly during evening prayers and weekend events.
Maintain Records: Keep an updated log of any suspicious activity, including descriptions of individuals, vehicle details, and the time of the sighting.
Report Everything: Encourage community members to report hate crime and suspicious behavior to the police (101 or 999 in an emergency) and to organizations like Tell MAMA, which monitors anti-Muslim incidents.
Utilise Government Funding:
Apply for Security Grants: Actively seek funding through the UK Government's Places of Worship Security Scheme (when available) or similar initiatives to help pay for gates, alarms, reinforced doors, and CCTV upgrades.
Engage with Local Police:
Build a Relationship: Establish a direct line of communication with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Inform them of busy periods and any specific security concerns.
Request Security Assessments: Ask the police to conduct a formal security survey of the mosque building and provide recommendations.
By prioritizing security and community vigilance, local Muslim communities can move to save their own local mosque and protect worshippers from the growing threat of Islamophobic attacks.
