I have read several articles recently about church break ins and money being stolen from church offices and safes. Many Pastors and Board Members don't even think about securing the tithes and offering after it has been counted. I bet most don't even know what happens to the money after the Ushers count it.
The Tithes and offering should be secured immediately after the counting is completed, which by the way should be done by two people at all times. It should be secured in a safe or locked cabinet until it can be deposited in the bank. Most burglars and robbers know that banks are not open on Sundays and know that there will likely be money in the church office somewhere on Sunday night into Monday morning so that's when they will likely strike.
Here are a few things to remember about securing the money. If you have a safe, ensure that it is secured behind a locked door. If you can take the deposit to the bank on Sunday afternoon and put it into the night drop, that may be a good idea. If not, get it to the bank as early as possible on Monday. You do not want to have the money in the building any longer than you have to. The robbers know it's there. Always have two people take the deposit to the bank. There is strength in numbers and there is a lesser chance of being robbed. You also have a witness that the money made it to it's destination. No questions about the deposit being made if the bank calls and says there was a problem. Always have two people count the money. Always have a second person verify the count and have two people sign the deposit slip. Trust but verify. Vary your routes to and from the bank. Vary the times that you go. DO NOT get into a routine. A robber will figure this out. Do not be predictable.
Protecting the Tithes and Offerings is not that hard to do. Just use common sense and never think that It Can't Happen Here. IT CAN!
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