Schools an ‘attractive target’ for criminals over summer months – Ecclesiastical Insurance

Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical Insurance has warned brokers to talk to their education clients amid a rise in crime targeted at schools over the summer holidays.

Ecclesiastical said that schools would be an “attractive target for criminals over the coming months” and has reported an increase in schools being targeted by vandalism, arson, break-ins and theft over this period.

The insurer added that schools could mitigate against these dangers in a number of ways – CCTV cameras and intruder alarms should have remote 24/7 monitoring and security lighting systems with motion detection technology should be installed.

Across June 9-10 this year, lead was stolen from the roof of St Cecilia’s High School in Longridge, Lancashire with other damage inflicted in the process.

Also in June, St Francis CE Primary School and Nursery in Bournville, Birmingham was targeted by vandals who destroyed a newly-refurbished double decker bus used as an outdoor classroom.

Far more vulnerable

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Schools are far more vulnerable during the summer holidays when school buildings are closed and often largely unoccupied, tempting opportunists.

“We’ve seen school buildings completely destroyed by arsonists, roofs stripped of lead leading to internal flooding and even school buses stolen from their premises.

“Thieves can perceive schools as a soft target during the summer, so it is vital that they take steps to protect their premises from unscrupulous offenders.

“Brokers have an important role to play in helping their education clients identify and manage their risks and we encourage them to engage with schools and to help them to take steps to protect themselves from criminals and follow our guidance.”