/24-7PressRelease/ - WEST YORKSHIRE, UK, September 19, 2008 - The review published by Congregational & General for CRE Harrogate (25-27 September) indicates that approximately one in six churches in the UK claimed on their insurance policies over the last 12 months - amounting to an estimated 24.3m worth of loss or damage nationwide.
Top of the list of claims by value, excluding weather related incidents are those caused by theft of lead and other metals - this was the fastest-growing area for claims with Congregational experiencing an 86% increase in 2007 - rising by a further 57% this year. Second position was arson claims and theft from the open coming in third.
The insurer believes that churches can minimise some of the risk by taking precautionary measures such as those featured in its free 'Safer Places of Worship (www.spow.co.uk) and Church Alert (www.churchalert.co.uk) schemes.
Margaret Slater, Congregational's Marketing Manager, said: "We believe a significant number of churches across the UK could reduce or in some cases eliminate their claims by taking some relatively simple preventative steps and reduce the burden of premium increases in the future.
"We will be showcasing two free schemes at CRE - anyone who visits our stand can pick up guidance which we hope will not just make our churches safer places, but also help prevent some instances of loss or damage."
In all cases, as well as taking proactive measures to safeguard their church buildings, churches should enlist the help of local communities and encourage them to report suspicious behaviour.
Congregational & General's Top Claims in the last 12 months (excluding weather related claims) and key prevention tips for places of worship:
1. Theft of lead and other metals
Lead and other metal thefts from church buildings is an increasing problem.
Congregational & General advises:
• Consider the use of forensic markers and anti-theft paint
• Strategically placed lighting
• Carefully chosen defensive planting of thorny bushes in and around church grounds
Further advice and supporting materials can be downloaded from the dedicated website http://www.churchalert.co.uk
2. Arson
Fires are often started maliciously using materials readily available at or near the scene.
Congregational & General advises:
• Regularly check security arrangements for church premises are still suitable and adequate
• Limit the fuel that may be available on and around the site such as gas cylinders, flammable liquids and combustible materials (these should be safely locked away)
Further advice can be gathered from http://www.spow.co.uk
3. Theft from the open
Theft from the open includes items such as lawnmowers and garden tools that are often left unattended outside.
Congregational & General advises:
• Encourage visitors to use only designated entrances and footpaths
• Maintain a substantial perimeter barrier for a more orderly surrounding area
Further advice can be gathered from http://www.spow.co.uk
4. Malicious damage
Churches experience a high amount of malicious damage to their property, especially those that are unoccupied for most of the week.
Congregational & General advises:
• Surveillance by passers-by and local residents should be encouraged by ensuring that hedges and walls are no more than four feet higher than the level of adjoining roads and paths
Further advice can be gathered from http://www.spow.co.uk
5. Fire
Fire damage is often caused by old wiring and badly maintained appliances, which can be easily avoided.
Congregational & General advises:
• Ensure that the fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested every five years
• Good housekeeping and safe end of day procedures should be adopted to ensure that all electrical equipment is switched off
Further advice and can be gathered from http://www.spow.co.uk
Notes to editors
1. Congregational & General is one of the country's most respected insurers of homes and churches with over 9 billion household assets and almost 5 billion church assets covered in the UK.
2. Based in Bradford, it is wholly-owned by a charitable trust which to date has received over 6million for disbursement through grant application to churches and other worthy causes.
3. In addition to issuing policies for nearly 7,000 places of worship of all denominations, the fastest growing area of its business today is the private homeowner. For more information visit http://www.shared-values.co.uk
For further information
Contact Adrian Johnson or Nick Wood in the Congregational Press Office on 0113 243 1117.
Email adrian@lucrecommunications.com; nick@lucrecommunications.com
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