Lead Theft Prevention

Churches continue to be a target for metal theft

The British Security Industry Association say that as the scrap value of lead continues to increase, churches are being encouraged to improve their security measures, as the recession drives incidents of metal theft to a record high.

2011 was the worst year on record for church metal theft claims. Ecclesiastical, which insures over 96% of the country’s Anglican churches, received more than 2,600 metal theft claims from churches by the end of the year, surpassing the previous worst figure of more than 2,400 in 2008.

Lead, copper and stainless steel roof coverings, roof flashings, copper lightning conductors and lead rainwater pipes have all been targeted. Whilst world demand for metal remains strong their scrap value will continue to be high, making them an attractive target for thieves and churches will continue to face this problem for the foreseeable future.

With churchyards often secluded or left unattended for long hours, both day and night, churches are often seen as ‘easy pickings’ for thieves, who steal valuable lead from church roofs to sell on at a high price

Pictured above is The Bishop’s Palace in Lincoln, where around 8ft by 8ft of lead were taken from the flat roof in October 2011.

How can Alert Fire and Security help?

Here at Alert, we are certified suppliers and installers of Videofied technology - A TOTALLY Wireless Video Security System - which motion activates the integrated night vision camera and sends a 10 second video of the intruder over the mobile network to the Police approved monitoring station and the site manager. Up to 24 indoor/outdoor cameras on a single system, operating without the requirement of mains power.

Affordable, Portable, Anywhere - The Videofied systems costs a fraction of the majority of alternative CCTV systems.

As a BS8418 Police Approved compliant system, Police will be contacted and advised of a crime in progress at the time it happens.

Videofied stops lead/copper theft by immediately alerting 24/7 professional monitoring staff of an attempted theft and providing a video of the incident. Videofied delivers apprehensions, not re-runs on a DVR of yesterday’s crime. Outdoor wireless video security systems provide security to rooftop air conditioners, substations, construction sites and mobile phone towers.

Videofied is a cost-effective wireless video security system that needs no AC power, internet or phone lines. Outdoor cameras secure electrical infrastructure, roof-top air conditioners, cables and building materials. Indoor cameras secure copper plumbing and wiring. The Alert Videofied System is designed to apprehend the perpetrators, not just see them in yesterday's video recordings on a DVR.