Continued...


Insurance is there to provide protection in the event of unexpected losses and events, but unfortunately as theft of metal has increased in frequency over the last few years, it is no longer an unexpected event, but rather an inevitability. We have consequently had to review our SmartWater policy condition and are now withdrawing all external metal theft cover for churches that have not applied SmartWater to external metal, displayed signage and registered with SmartWater. This change will take effect for renewals on or after 1st July 2011 and we will write to policyholders in advance of their renewal date to confirm this.


Churches that have complied with the SmartWater condition will not be affected by this change – they will continue to have external metal theft cover to their existing policy limits.


What do churches need to do?


To ensure that you receive the benefit of the metal theft cover, as shown in your policy documents, you need to take the following action now:


• Check that your church has used the SmartWater kit supplied, to mark


external metal, and ensure that it has been registered with SmartWater.


• Please also ensure that the SmartWater signage supplied with


the kit has been displayed outside your church and is clearly visible.


If you require additional SmartWater supplies, you can receive a 40% discount when purchasing SmartWater solution from CPS who can also supply SmartWater signage (posters, plastic signs and stickers). For more information, please call 0845 458 4584.


Churches can also obtain SmartWater from other suppliers with no connection to Ecclesiastical.


Is your SmartWater kit registered?


If you are unsure, you can call CPS on 0845 458 4584 and check. It’s vital to know, as registration forms part of our SmartWater policy condition and, for renewals on or after 1st July 2011, you won’t have cover for external metal theft if your kit isn’t registered.


From January 2011, the SmartWater registration process has been changed so that when a kit is ordered, it will be automatically registered with SmartWater. If you have ordered a kit recently and are unsure about your registration status, it is advisable to call CPS to check.


■ SmartWater as a deterrent


SmartWater will significantly reduce the risk of your metal being targeted by thieves. ■


74% of offenders interviewed in a survey* reported that they would be put off from breaking into a building with SmartWater signage displayed.


We pay SmartWater an annual license fee for each church insured to provide continued protection for customers.


■


For details of the latest SmartWater success stories please visit


www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters


Reduce the risk of your church being targeted


The level of risk churches face is different in each case. 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 (as in the red panel on the left).


2) Engage with your local community


Join the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme and urge the church’s neighbours to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Such activity, if identified, should be dealt with by calling the police straightaway.


3) Install an electronic roof security system


Following thorough investigation and successful trials on churches at a number of metal theft hot spots, CPS is pleased to offer a new electronic roof security system.


Key benefits: ■


Effective at deterring metal theft as demonstrated in recent trials – following installation of the system at trial locations there have been no further metal thefts from protected roof areas.


A wireless infrared motion detector in situ


For more information or to arrange a free**, no-obligation site survey please call 0845 458 4584.


For further advice and to download the latest guidance notes, please visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters You can also contact your local Risk Control Surveyor.


*Source: A report for SmartWater Technology Limited by Perpetuity Research - University of Leicester, 2008.


**UK mainland only - travel expenses may be applicable offshore. ■


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.


■


The system requires no user intervention and works for years.


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If the security system is activated, a planned response based on your previous instructions is carried out – 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.


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