Warning alarm at church??!!!

[halicon]

What is going on??

I know copper is a precious comdity at the minute, but do the residents of goose green area not have enough sirens to deal with without extra ones set off by a canary, pigeon or the wind!!! Then to make it worse telling us all, playing in our back gardens, that security are on their way!

Arent the church supposed to shelter children form fear like this rather than shove it down their throats while they try to sleep in their beds???? Get rid!

[grumpyoldman]

If you look at the page from Ecclesiastical you will find the following.

If Churches are too survive they need to take precautions as any homeowner would.

Theft of metal

Churches continue to be a target for metal theft

Since the start of 2007 we?ve received more than 8,000 claims for metal theft, at an estimated total cost of more than ?23 million. 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.

We?re here to help

Ecclesiastical has been actively tackling this problem for several years by:

launching a nationwide awareness campaign

sending a free SmartWater forensic security marking kit to every church we insure in late 2007, and now offering it at a discounted rate for policyholders through SmartWater

lobbying the police, Parliament and scrap metal dealers

providing theft of metal prevention guidance notes and offering tailored advice for individual churches through our Insurance Consultants and Surveyors .

You may not be aware that Ecclesiastical has also recently trialled a new electronic church roof security system that is now available to purchase (more on this below).

What?s happening now?

Metal prices (such as for lead and copper) are increasing again on the world market and experience has shown that as metal prices rise, thefts increase. With escalating losses, metal theft is one of the most serious problems that the churches we insure currently face.

Nearly every day we receive claims for theft of external metals from churches. It?s not just the cost of replacing the materials that is the problem, it?s the resultant damage - thieves have also torn holes in roofs causing them to leak and ripped stonework away from pinnacles and towers.

Damage caused by thieves can cost anything from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands to repair. The thieves get a fraction of the cost for scrap and they?re causing irreparable damage to some of the nation?s most beautiful and sacred buildings.

Reduce the risk of your church being targeted

The level of risk churches face is different in each case. To find out how at risk you are from metal theft, we?ve produced a useful self assessment tool.

Top tips for protecting your church.

1. SmartWater ? help us to help you

SmartWater usage is a policy condition and we want you to be protected so that you receive the benefit of external metal insurance cover. Please urgently check your church?s status. For more information about SmartWater, the policy condition, success stories and much more, please visit our SmartWater page

2. Engage with your local community

Joining the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme and urging the church?s neighbours to keep a watchful eye out for anything suspicious around the church can be a big help that costs nothing. Such activity, if identified, should be dealt with by calling the police straightaway and you should inform other churches in your area to put them on their guard. If you?re part of a National Churchwatch scheme, you can use this to pass on information.

A good example (from the Diocese of Chichester) on how engaging with your local community can help you can be found here.

3. Install an electronic roof security system

Following successful trials on churches at a number of metal theft hot spots, we are pleased to let you know about a new electronic roof security system.

Key benefits:

Effective at deterring metal theft as demonstrated in recent trials.

The system is specifically designed to detect and deter intruders before any damage is caused.

The technology used is virtually invisible and reversible.

Large roof areas can be protected cost effectively.

If the remote signalling security system is activated the alarm receiving centre carry out a planned response based on your previous instructions - perfect for buildings in remote or rural locations.

If you install an Ecclesiastical approved roof security system and have also complied with the SmartWater policy condition, we may be able to increase your metal theft cover depending on individual circumstances.

For more information (including about permissions) or to arrange a free*, no-obligation site survey please call 0845 600 9659 and quote "ECC 2". You can also download a factsheet.

*UK mainland only - travel expenses may be applicable offshore

[uncleglen]

Why not just electrify the whole roof if it's copper, then the miscreants will be dealt with on a permanent basis. Otherwise surround it with razor wire- or is it illegal- because the poor little thieves might hurt themselves?

[Only me!]

As much as the church needs/should protect itself, does not this constant false alarming actually work against that goal?

As just now, it would seem that the very neighbours who could prove helpful in alerting the Police if they hear the alarm are sinking into the frame of mind when they will actually completely ignore any legit activation.

Of course some system is needed, as metal theft etc by despicable gangs of opportunist scumbags needs to be minimised ... but .... crying "wolf!" quite so often, is probably proof that a re-think of the current system is needed.

[Salsaboy]

The church as a whole can afford it, the amount of money they fleece you for at services.

[treehugger]

How much are they "fleecing" you exactly, Salsaboy?

[Salsaboy]

My understanding is that the church of England is one of the wealthiest organizations in the UK. On the very rare occaisions I go to church, having been a regular church goer before I realised what a sham it all is, there is the offering (pass the plate round in the service), collection boxes as you exit and even a 'voluntary contribution' towards tea and biccies.

You only have to look at the outfits of Bishops and up to see how rich the church is, showing off it's wealth. I always thought that the alleged jesus was a simple man, living a simple, plain life. Not as it is today.

[uncleglen]

I was brought up as a Methodist and they have no embellishments - and no swearing, drinking or gambling either.