Drop in metal theft claims from Churches reported

Ecclesiastical reports a decrease in number of claims in 2012

Ecclesiastical, insurers’ to more than 96% of the UK’s Anglican churches have reported a drop in the number of metal theft claims in 2012.  In 2011 around 2,600 claims were registered totaling almost £4.5m.  The figures for 2012 in comparison suggest a figure of around 930 claims, worth £1.8m.

Whilst this decrease is good news, the number of thefts is still considerably higher than those recorded in the 1990’s and early 2000 when less than ten claims a year were the norm, reports Ecclesiastical Insurers’.

Ecclesiastical suggest that the decrease could be due to a variety of factors including the supply of church roof alarms and measures by Government and transport and utility companies to crack down on the crime.  Churches have also been subject to Conditions imposed on their Policy regarding metal theft, particularly following a claim.

Salisbury, Chelmsford, Winchester, Chichester and Birmingham dioceses are reported as the areas of the country most targeted by metal theft claims of churches, with the highest claim rates for 2012.

Sources: Insurance Times