risk management
British Insurance Award winner for our proactive approach to metal theft
Theft of metal on the rise
As a leading insurer of historic heritage properties, Ecclesiastical has seen an increase in the theft of metals from insured premises.
Increased world demand for metals has seen the international price of metals rise significantly.This has led to an increase in the theft of copper and other metals in all areas of the country. Thefts can cost anything from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands.
It’s not just the cost of replacing the materials that is the problem, thieves have also torn holes in roofs causing them to leak and damage internal furnishing.
Be vigilant!
Policyholders need to be vigilant in order to reduce the risk of metal thefts. Areas where work is underway need to be kept secure and ladders removed overnight. Security lighting can also minimise the risk. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police.
Taking action to protect our policyholders
Guidance notes
Our team of specialist surveyors have prepared a set of theft of metal guidance notes outlining a variety of measures you can take to protect from metal theft.
Smartwater
We’ve also established links with the makers of SmartWater. This is a harmless water-based forensic marker that can be applied to copper and lead, as well as valuables, which links thieves to crime scenes. SmartWater Technology Limited is a police accredited organisation and their product is currently used in a variety of forms by 95% of UK police forces. It has a 100% conviction rate when used as evidence in a court of law. For more details at www.smartwater.com.
Policyholders can purchase ‘Smartwater’ from CPS Ltd, at a substantially discounted price. ‘Smartwater’ can also be purchased from other suppliers who have no connection with Ecclesiastical Insurance Group.
Publicity, education and influencing policy
We’ve been working hard to publicise all these measures to tackle metal theft: you may have seen us on BBC Breakfast News, Radio 4 and FiveLive; and read about us in the The Times, The Guardian and Daily Telegraph, as well as in over 150 regional and local newspapers.
We’re also working closely with the Home Office to tackle the problem.
British Insurance Award winners
Last year we were delighted to be recognised for our efforts to combat theft of metal, when we were awarded the British Insurance Awards for Risk Management. We were commended for our proactive approach to protecting our policyholders.
