Protect your school from metal theft

With metal prices rising, the lead, copper, steel, and iron on your roof coverings, lightning conductors, pipes, and gates can attract criminals.

Metal theft can mean a hefty bill for replacements. If the building structure is damaged, it can also lead to leaks, water damage, and potential disruption to teaching. Plus, if schools replace stolen metal and don’t step up their security, the thieves could well be back.

It’s not difficult to reduce the risk of metal theft at your school. Of course, every school is different, so tailor these general recommendations to your circumstances:

• Security mark metal goods with a forensic marker like Smartwater.
• Install an electronic roof security system, CCTV, or security lighting.
• Cut back tall trees and vegetation that can hide criminal activity.
• During building works, make sure builders lock tools away and secure the areas they are working in. Tell your insurer about building works well in advance.
• Relocate water butts, waste bins, or anything else that can help thieves get onto roofs.
• Talk to local police and ask them to include the school in their patrols.
• Regularly check roofs for damage.
• Lock away ladders and any equipment that could be used to transport metals.
• Apply anti-climb paint to downpipes and gutters - though only above a height of two metres.
• Ask neighbours to report suspicious activity to the police.
• Restrict access as much as possible when the school is closed.

When lead sheets on roofs need replacing, consider fixing hollow rolled sheet lead instead, which is more difficult to remove. You could also consider alternative materials, such as terne-coated stainless steel or zinc.

Unoccupied buildings on site need to be regularly inspected and properly secured. Be aware that, as well as valuable metals, thieves also target electrical or plumbing materials.