Warning: Theft Of Metal From Holiday Homes

Last Updated on January 24, 2012 by admin

Warning: Theft Of Metal From Holiday Homes. Callous thieves caused severe water damage to a holiday home for children with cancer after they stole lead from its roof. Cancer charity CLIC Sargent House who run the centre, now face a £15000 holiday home insurance claim to repair the roof.

Between 2007 and 2010 the insurers for our holiday home insurance scheme, Ecclesiastical received almost 8000 metal theft claims, at an estimated cost of £23million. Whilst a lot of these claims relate to church property, other sectors such as education, charity, care and commercial property are also being targeted. 

Lead, copper and stainless steel roof coverings, including bay window roofs and roof flashings, copper lightning conductors, lead and copper rainwater pipes, bronze statues, metal garden ornaments, iron gates and even church bells have been stolen. 

Security measures – so what can you do about it? 

Wherever metals are present there is an increased risk of theft and existing security arrangements should be reviewed. Ecclesiastical have produced comprehensive guidance notes on Theft Of Metals including tips on security measures. Download a copy here 

If you suffer a theft of metal at your holiday let call your holiday home insurance broker or insurer as soon as possible to report the loss. You’ll receive advise on the claims process and they may arrange for the damage to be inspected. Regardless of your insurance cover, to minimise damage to your holiday let property , contractors should be asked to carry out emergency repairs. where applicable to make the property water tight.