The Diocese is unfortunately receiving reports that lead theft is on the rise again. The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) is encouraging churches to review their security measures in order to reduce the risk of metal theft.
Recent guidance sent by the DAC to all churches has offered helpful measures that can be considered to help reduce the risk to your church. They include:
Security Marking
- It will be an insurance requirement to apply a forensic marking system such as Smartwater to external metal. You must use a system that is approved by your insurer.
- Display appropriate signage and made sure your church is registered. If using Smartwater, this is guaranteed for 5 years. After this period it should be inspected with a UV lamp to check it still fluoresces and reapplied if necessary.
Security Considerations
- Engage with your local community and if they see any suspicious activity in or around the Church encourage them to report it to the police on 999. Take the registration of any vehicle seen that might look out of place.
- Restrict vehicle access to the Church/Churchyard by locking gates if possible
- Keep ladders, wheelbarrows and wheelie bins locked away or stored away from the buildings.
- Encourage regular activity in and around the Church/Churchyard by church members and the wider community, but do consider your own personal safety as well.
- Ask your Local Police Community Support Officer to include your Church in their patrols when in your area.
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is an additional security measure that can be considered by the PCC. This will need to be approved by your Archdeacon under List B. Please let the DAC know what you are planning.
Roof Alarm Systems
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Roof alarms have proven to be an effective deterrent to metal theft. For Churches that are particularly vulnerable to theft of metal losses, your insurer may require an approved roof alarm in order for the Church to have a higher level of metal theft cover. Please always consult the DAC before installing. Alarms will need to be approved by the Archdeacon.
Grants to consider
Funding is available from:
- Roof Alarm Grants Programme | Benefact Trust Benefact Trust (formerly known as Allchurches Trust)
- Major grant funders for church buildings | National Churches Trust
- Places of Worship (POW): protective security funding scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- If your building is listed and your work is eligible you may be able to claim a refund of the VAT incurred as part of your project, see Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme (VAT) | National Churches Trust
If you need any further help or guidance, please contact the DAC Secretary, Sarah Anderson on: sarah.anderson@rochester.anglican.org