Churchman goes aloft to hold on to his lead.

Forget the global financial meltdown for one second (go on, it is possible, just shut your eyes) and think about the other crisis enveloping the insurance industry: metal theft.

Readers may have noticed the wave of lead thefts from churches and schools that have blighted the results of insurers such as Ecclesiastical.

While Ecclesiastical has hired private investigators in an attempt to address the problem, it appears one vicar has taken matters into his own hands.

The Metro reports that the rector of All Saints church in Great Harrowden, Northamptonshire, has spent two weeks sleeping in his church tower on a blow-up mattress in an attempt to put off thieves who had already stolen £70,000 of roof lead.

The Rev Simon Dommett said: “It isn’t the most comfortable night’s sleep.”

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

Topics