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Objections and stories |
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Common objections It wont happen to us We have to face the fact that metal theft is an enormous problem which costs the country £360 million each year. The Home Office formed a National Metal Theft Crime Unit in January 2009. EIG pays out over £1m each month on metal theft claims to churches. One visit from the thieves could wipe out your reserves. Assume it will happen.
It’s too difficult to do Applying SmartWater to accessible areas is not difficult and is free if you use the sample you were sent. Other measures, such as keeping wheelie bins and ladders locked away and using anti climb paint, can make a big difference to your church’s vulnerability.
It does not work and is expensive Prevention, watching and reporting works. Smartwater is a proven crime reduction strategy. There have been 500 successful prosecutions in the UK as a result of SmartWater and it has a 100% conviction rate. If you have lost your FREE SmartWater sample you can purchase more from the Churches Purchasing Scheme from as little as £33 plus VAT.
Putting notices up attracts thieves They are already attracted as your building is covered in metal (flashings, soakers, low-pitched roofs, gutter linings, downspouts and lightning conductor). Putting up notices let thieves know that you have taken measures to protect your building. The more barriers to an easy theft the less likely they are to target your building.
Haven’t we got more important things to do? Taking preventative action now can release your church to do what it would rather be doing instead of dealing with time-consuming insurance claims. Any claim will be reduced by 50% if you have not used and registered SmartWater. The public are generally happy to help you tackle this problem, and getting to know your neighbours, who could act as Church Watchers, could be a mission opportunity. |
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Stories
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