Lead Thefts from Norfolk Schools

Most school roofs have lead flashings, cappings, valley gutters and gulleys to prevent water ingress on joints and angles. Over recent months the value of commercial lead has risen to such an extent that stealing lead to sell as scrap has become attractive to criminals.

Since June there have been more than 40 incidents at Norfolk schools where criminals have climbed onto school roofs and removed lead. This practice is still continuing and the estimated cost of these claims to date is in the order of £80,000. Some schools have been visited more than once to steal lead not taken the first time. These thefts are happening across all parts of Norfolk.

The costs of replacing stolen lead can be as much as £5000. However, if the loss is not discovered until rainwater is pouring through ceilings the cost in terms of time, material and disruption will be considerably more.

This MI sheet is to alert all schools to this new risk.

Measures to be taken by premises managers:

It is difficult to prevent these thefts but there are measures that can be taken to deter the thieves and minimise losses as follows:

• If your premises has CCTV make sure it is working correctly and use it to cover the approaches to the building


• Keep all gates locked out of hours and review the perimeter security and external lighting coverage


• Be vigilant for people or unknown vehicles that may be observing your premises during the day and report such activity to the Police


• Alert neighbours to the potential lead theft problem and ask them to advise the Police if they see or hear anything suspicious


• If possible, but only if it is safe, check that lead work is still in place on a regular basis and check the lead work if you receive reports of night time intruders

Insurance

Losses of this nature are covered by your Insurance policy, subject to an excess of £100 per claim. Where possible we are replacing lead with a lead substitute material with no scrap value.

Further advice

If you need any further information or advice please contact Risk and Insurance section:

• Ian Ferguson, Claims Manager tel 01603 222122


• Steve Rayner, Senior Claims Investigator tel 01603 224372


• Derek Gorrod, Senior Risk Officer tel 01603 222989