Another spate of lead thefts from buildings around RCY ( e.g. central bin store roof and Ceremonial Arch) has been reported to RMG and to local police. While the cost of getting these areas of lead will be covered by the site building insurance (minus the normal excess), claims like this inevitably result in increased costs to leaseholders via the annual Service Charge demands.
Can anything be done to prevent these thefts?
Since Royal Clarence Yard is a Conservation Area, RMG is obliged to replace the stolen lead on a "like for like" basis. We understand that the Property Manager, Toby Felton, is considering an approach to GBC to ask if a lead substitute (which would not be so attractive to the lead thieves) might be considered as an alternative.
Reporting lead thefts
In the meantime, since there is no CCTV across the site (and unlikely to be installed) residents are asked to be extra vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the Police . Then report to RMG.
Buildings Insurance costs increases
Unfortunately, the costs of buildings insurance across the site has been rising above the cost of inflation for the past several years and has been one of the main drivers for increases in Service Charge demands. Building insurance for the site is arranged by Berkeley Homes (not by RMG). The Residents Association has previously raised the issue of the steep increases with Berkeley Homes (which insures RCY as part of their portfolio of properties) but with no meaningful result. If any leaseholder is interested in seeing the correspondence with Berkeley Homes on this subject, please contact the Secretary by e-mail (info@rcmra.co.uk ).
Lead stolen from roof of central bin store Jun 2022
