To all churchwardens

Dear all,

Theft of Metal from Parish Churches

You will all be aware from national and local press that theft of metal - especially lead roofing and flashings from churches - is an increasing problem across the country. I am sorry a number of you also know from experience that East Kent has become more of a target. Having talked with Ecclesiastical Insurance, it seemed a good point to draw attention to some of the current issues.

Insurers Ecclesiastical have noticed a dramatic increase in the frequency and severity of claims received from churches in the Canterbury Diocese in recent months. In 2006 only three losses were reported but in 2007 over sixty losses have been reported to date. This increases on a daily basis.

Do not simply rely on insurance
Churches insured with Ecclesiastical do have some insurance protection but this may not be enough to cover repeated claims. Their standard policy has a theft of metal limit of £15,000 or £25,000 per year depending on the policy version issued by Ecclesiastical.

Please note that the church won't be covered if the theft of metal happens when you have scaffolding up. Reliance on insurance should not be regarded as a substitution for good housekeeping and risk management.

Keep checking
Experience suggests that the thefts take place over a period of several days and several attacks. Thus, it is extremely important that regular checks are made on areas of the church where lead roofing or flashings are located. Please do not rely on rainwater to enter the building as this further compounds the expense and delays of repairs.

Use Smartwater
For churches insured with Ecclesiastical you will all have received a free Smartwater property marking kit and signage. Please can you use it as directed as a matter of urgency and it is vital that you register with Smartwater quickly.

Helping ourselves and others
Local communities working together are a key factor in reducing these considerably inconvenient losses. I would urge you to encourage residents living close to your churches to be nosey and report any suspicious activities or people to the Police by dialing 999 immediately. Also, it would be sensible perhaps to issue leaflets to local residents again highlighting this problem.

Other measures to improve security include improving visibility of the building by removing overgrown vegetation and installing barriers to restrict vehicle access. Ecclesiastical produced a very useful theft of metal guidance note which can be downloaded from www.ecclesiastical.theftofmetal.com

Graham Salt, Ecclesiastical Insurance's Consultant Surveyor for Canterbury Diocese, would be delighted to help you with any insurance or risk issues concerning your church. Please contact Graham on 01303 814969 or 0777 191 3250.

In 2008, we are planning to hold a churchwardens' day which will include a Metal Seminar where various interested parties will be available to provide expert support to you. Further details will follow in due course but please note that the proposed date is Saturday October 18th 2008 at the International Study Centre of the Cathedral.

Very best wishes,

Sheila Watson
Archdeacon of Canterbury

Philip Down
Archdeacon of Maidstone