A national project to install wireless intrusion systems on church roofs is being instigated by specialist insurer, Ecclesiastical, which is investing GB pound 500,000 to help protect some of the most vulnerable churches in the country.
The systems consist of concealed PIR motion detectors working wirelessly using digital radio technology. When activated, they trigger voice-enhanced sounders and blue strobe lights to draw attention to the intrusion and broadcast a recorded warning message to would-be thieves.
Depending on the agreement with the alarm receiving centre, alarm signals will either be passed on for security response or to key holders.
The solutions are supplied by E-Bound AVX.
The Hands Off Our Church Roofs initiative is backed by the Church of England Church Buildings Council, the Association of Chief Police Officers and minister of state for the Home Office, Lord Henley.
Attacks have reached catastrophic proportions
John Coates, Ecclesiastical’s director of church insurance said: “The attack on Britain’s churches has reached catastrophic proportions and we simply have to do something about it. Every day an average of seven churches are targeted by criminals, who see them as easy pickings. This campaign will ensure they won?t be easy anymore.”
Ecclesiastical has already piloted the use of roof alarms in more than 100 churches. The insurer’s experience has shown that where roof alarms have been fitted, metal thefts have reduced significantly or stopped completely.
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.
In addition to the alarm systems, the company has also provided free SmartWater kits to apply to metal so it can be traced, and has given risk management advice. It has also been involved in lobbying for a tightening up of the laws relating to the sale of scrap metal.
