In 2018, Manchester-based Lucardo Escape Rooms suffered a bizarre break-in. Two intruders smashed their way inside, stole cash, and caused around £2,000 in damage – under the illusion that they were robbing a real bank.
While this may sound like the perfect premise for an escape room, it wasn’t part of the game. The incident led to real-world property damage, insurance claims, and lost time for the operators.
Escape rooms are often packed with high-value electronics, props, custom furniture and, in some cases, cash. They’re attractive targets for opportunistic criminals – and break-ins like this, while uncommon, are a genuine risk.
That’s why Property insurance, including protection for theft and malicious damage, is crucial. Standard Commercial Property insurance typically covers:
For escape rooms that have spent tens of thousands designing immersive sets, the value of the contents alone can be considerable. If items are stolen or damaged, it’s not just the cost of replacement – it’s the time, labour, and creative input that’s lost too.
Most insurers also include Theft by Forcible Entry coverage as standard, while others offer it as an add-on. Given the nature of escape room design – often featuring back doors, hidden passages or themed locks – it’s vital to ensure your policy doesn’t have exclusions based on unusual layouts.
A good policy that’s correctly worded will cover both the tangible loss and the time it takes to get back up and running.
The bottom line? Whether it’s an opportunistic break-in or a misguided criminal mistaking fiction for reality, escape room operators need to ensure their property and assets are protected. Get in touch with No Spoilers today to check you’re covered.
Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash