Wednesday 9 November 2011

Lightning Protection - Metal Theft

The theft of metal is continuously on the increase and whilst ever scrap prices remain high unfortunately it is a trend that will continue to blight so many including schools, hospitals, hotels, railways in fact any building or structure fitted with lightning protection.

Lightning protection systems commonly consist of copper or aluminium and why PVC sheathing can be fitted to take away the initial obvious presence of either copper or aluminum thieves very quickly get to know and become more aware of where and how lightning protection systems are installed.

Lightning protection systems are installed to almost every new commercial building constructed in the UK however where new modern constructions allow the use of structural steels to be incorporated reducing the opportunity for theft, existing structures do not always have this luxury. As a result external copper and aluminium down conductors are installed and unless they are adequately protected become a very soft target for thieves and vandals.

As a conductor we have recently witnessed a huge increase in the amount of enquiries from local councils, hospitals and businesses requiring stolen down conductors replacing, often security at schools and hospitals is in adequate so any additional precautionary measures need to be considered.

To prevent the theft of copper and aluminium down conductors Churchills supply and fit vandal/theft guards that are simply fitted over the down conductor secured with anti vandal fixing thus fully protecting the downtape conductor and preventing theft/damage.

The vandal/theft guards are economical and quick to install and offer a complete deterrent against theft or vandalism.

For more information on the supply and installation of this very simple but highly effective product please contact us on 0844 504 9998 or visit our web site where guards can be purchased for self installation.