Federal authorities are warning houses of worship in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to take security precautions after several churches were targeted with suspected arson .
The police responded to Saint Anthony’s Church in Woonsocket late last month to reports of suspected arson in the chapel.
The incidents spurred the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to issue a warning urging all religious institutions to take enhanced security measures to protect their congregations and buildings.
Churches in Franklin and Kingston, both in Massachusetts, have also been hit in the past six months, according to the ATF.
The ATF said there are no specific threats at this time, but the agency and local authorities are recommending vigilance and proactive steps to prevent potential incidents.
ATF recommends increased lighting, vigilance
Recommended measures include enhanced security, namely ensuring security cameras are working and monitoring all entrances, exits, and parking areas and enhanced lighting.