The results of the insurer’s survey highlight an opportunity for brokers to engage with education clients

Just over two in five schools (41%) want more guidance from their insurance brokers on how to avoid risk and crime, according to new research from specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, published today (5 September 2022).

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The survey, which polled 500 teachers between 29 July and 11 August 2022, revealed that two-thirds of schools had experienced a crime in the past 12 months, highlighting an opportunity for brokers to engage more with educational institutions.

Ecclesiastical found that 28% of the schools surveyed had been the target of anti-social behaviour, while a further 23% had been damaged by graffiti.

Around 24% of teachers reported that their schools had been trespassed on, while 22% were the victims of criminal damage.

On average, crime targeted at schools cost these institutions an average of just over £13,000 across the previous 12 months.

However, surveyed teachers revealed that their schools were generally being proactive about preventing further crime.

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

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Three-quarters (72%) of respondents said their schools had introduced measures to protect the school and deter criminals over the past 12 months.

Top security investments made by schools included installing CCTV systems (49%), alarms (27%), security fencing (21%) and security lighting (19%).

The results of this survey follow a warning from Ecclesiastical last month (1 August 2022), which recommended that brokers talk to their education clients about crime over the summer holidays.

Attractive target

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical, said: “Amidst the cost of living crisis, schools can be an attractive target for criminals.

“Brokers play an important role in helping education clients understand the risks they are facing and in ensuring they have the right cover in place.”

Kitchen added that measures to secure property and assets should include a combination of physical and electronic protection.

She explained: “Fencing around a perimeter can often offer a good first line of defence against unwanted visitors, while CCTV can act as a visual deterrent for those not wanting to be caught on camera.”

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