High Value Thefts on the rise as Gang Raids Midlands Golf Clubs
Golf clubs in the Midlands have been victim to a number of break-ins and thefts, each time targeting their cups and trophies.
As reported by both Bunkered and the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald, silverware has been stolen across the Midlands, alongside golf equipment and electric caddies. In Solihull, a gang smashed through glass doors to access the golf clubhouse and they stole historic trophies and silver plates. Nobody was hurt or witnessed the crime, and the club suffered no business interruption, hosting an open competition the next day, but the stolen items were of great value.
In our 20 year history at Club Insure we have handled many different crimes and incidents, including tales of rival golf clubs sabotaging their competition, however in this case, it is the golf club community that is shining through. Midlands golf club owners are looking out for their friendly neighbours and have made others aware of what to expect.
CCTV reports show a silver Skoda car at the time of the incident. They are urging all sport venues to review their storage situation and assess where their silverware is kept. Another incident report in September covers a pig-masked gang raiding Bournemouth golf club of their memorable trophies. Then a Fladbury-based golf club reported £45,000 worth of trophies stolen a few days later. There appears to be an epidemic of trophy thefts, with some clubs losing 50 pieces in one raid.
What is the impact of a gang raid on a golf club?
The impact of a serious theft is far beyond financial for golf clubs. Of course, golf clubs owners have enough challenges on their hands, with budgets tightly constrained, to have to deal with a serious theft. The repercussions stretch far and wide.
The financial repercussions are not only directly related to the items lost; repairs will be needed for forced entry, and also for any destroyed cabinets or windows. Locks likely should be changed, as well as alarms and alarm codes. Replacements should be considered and will need to be covered. Any business interruption as a result of the theft, such as pausing access to the clubhouse, would again conflate the financial challenges.
Confidence from members can be lost when their club is hit by an attack. Now viewed as an unsafe place, patrons may feel best placed to find a home for their clubs and equipment elsewhere, particularly if they store their belongings at the club. The reputational damage when suffering a crime can be severe, discrediting the image of the area and neighbourhood. Many Midlands clubs also witnessed thefts from their car parks, with electric caddies and golfing equipment reported to be stolen from the boots of cars.
Adequate insurance policies, secured from a dedicated broker, will provide cover for thefts under buildings and contents insurance. However, this will go on your claims history and may increase a golf clubs premiums upon renewal. At Club Insure we endeavour to minimise a club’s claims history and negotiate for the best terms.
Ultimately, golf club owners should do everything they can to prevent thefts and deter criminals. Golf clubs are seen as easy vulnerable targets for seasoned thieves, so a list of measures should be carried out to manage the risk of rising gang raids.
What can golf clubs do to prevent thefts?
The risk of theft is ever-present, however there are key modification and actions golf club manager can undertake in order to reduce their risk of theft.
- CCTV – Ensure your CCTV system covers your whole premises, as well as inside where the valuables are kept. All entrances and exits should be covered, plus stairways and corridors. Many insurance policies will require CCTV with specification on their placement.
- Wired alarm systems – Security alarm systems that are wired are seen as more reliable because they are less susceptible to interference.
- Securely lock away valuables – Most trophies are kept in glass cabinets, so consider investing in steel boxes or safes to keep the trophies in when the clubhouse is vacant.
- Scheduled lock up routine – Ensure a responsible person is tasked with locking up each night, ensuring that the valuables are never available and that the club is always secured.
- Manage who has access to valuables – Keys to the storage place of valuables should be monitored. Only give a few responsible individuals keys and authority to access the storage places.
- Advanced intruder detection systems – Improve your chances of catching a criminal with forensic marking equipment. Compounds such as traceable liquids from DeterTech, SmartWater provides a legally irrefutable way to prosecute criminals.
- Warning signs and symbols – Just as effective as the technology, is a sticker or poster alerting of the presence of the technology. Deter criminals by warning that they are likely to be caught if they trespass or attempt forced entry.
The importance of updating your buildings and content insurance for golf clubs.
Understanding the value of your club’s possessions and the contents of your clubhouse is essential to the accuracy of your insurance policy. The value of your contents and the building itself will affect the level of cover required.
If a club is found to be underinsured upon making a claim, it’s likely the club will not receive the full extent of cover. Ensure your Sums Insured is up to date by contacting Club Insure. A valuation of your building and content should have been done within the past 12 months.
At Club Insure, we are recommending all clubs review and complete an asset register. An asset register is an inventory of all the club’s owned contents and equipment. It should also note how much each piece is worth, which will help to understand the total value of your club’s assets. Asset registers are used by insurers to calculate the overall value of your club in the event of a claim, such as a fire or flood.
Why should golf clubs use an experienced dedicated broker?
Club Insure has been insuring golf clubs for over 20 years. There isn’t an incident we have seen, handled or resolved. We are best placed to provide guidance on how to defend against emerging threats, and also how to best mitigate risks in order to help improve your insurance terms.
As well as providing coverage for building and contents insurance, golf club insurance policies will include public liability cover and also personal accident cover. All Club Insure’s comprehensive policies ensure you’re completely protected, no matter the situation.
Contact us for more guidance on improving your contents insurance offer and more information about our specialist golf club insurance policy.