useful articles
theft of metal on the increase
Date: 25 October 2007
Driven by demand in China, the international price of copper and lead has broken all records over recent months and looks likely to continue. This has led to an increase in theft of metals in all areas of the country.
Nearly everyday we receive claims for theft of external metals from churches which can run into thousands of pounds but this is rapidly spreading into buildings other than just churches.
Claims from schools, heritage buildings, commercial buildings and private houses are an ever increasing occurrence this year.
Already in 2007 we’ve received 95 claims from commercial customers. That may not sound like many but in 2005 we only received three and in 2006 only seven claims were reported.
A quick search on Google will bring you stories of thefts from counties all over the country and of all sorts of different items ranging from the more obvious lead from roofs to underground copper cabling and even road signs!
Many police forces are setting up operations to try and stem the thefts and also targeting the places where the metal is sold, such as scrap yards.
We all need to start taking increased security precautions and encouraging extra vigilance. A number of thefts are actually carried out in broad daylight where bold thieves just look like innocent workmen.
We need you to help us to create awareness of the issue among your customers. Not only is the theft itself an unpleasant experience for customers but subsequent damage can cause more prolonged problems.
Because of our experience we have produced a theft of metal guidance note, which can be viewed and downloaded, on how to help to protect roofs from theft and we are looking to add to this with other guidance going forward.
