Forum Topic

Protecting your property from burglary

What is legal? We have a side alley to our house with no gate (our neighbour objects to one for some reason) but we are quite vulnerable to burglars as we back onto a field.  To the side of the house we have a shed to 1st floor height and then the alley sides to our garden. What can we legally use to deter chancers? Can we use barbed wire for example on the the roof and at the top of our fence?Would appreciate advice..........thanks

Penny Crocker ● 6413d18 Comments

Don't think barbed wire is allowed any more - or shards of glass embedded in the tops of walls  - well wouldn't want the little loves to hurt their hands now would we ?

Viv Ellis ● 6413d

Don't think barbed wire is allowed any more - or shards of glass embedded in the tops of walls  - well wouldn't want the little loves to hurt their hands now would we ?

Viv Ellis ● 6413d

No doubt the burglers would have the cheek to sue for damages and most probably get it knowing that everythng would appear to be in favour of the criminal and law breaker nowadays!How about installing a burglar alarm (if you don't already have one) and sensor lights which come on when someone approaches the property. You could put gravel around the property so any approach can be heard. Plant bushes with thorns to prevent someone climbing up to gain entry.Alao paint downpipes etc with a special paint which makes it difficult to climb up!You could consider installing a camera back and front. We have one where we can see who is at the door by switching to a channel on the TV.Automatic lights coming on at dusk, timer switches. Leave a radio on when the property is empty. Always double lock windows and doors.  I close my patio door if I go upstairs, just in case!Hope these suggestions are of some help.You could also ask the police to check where there are any weak points around the property - but you probably know these already!

Jean F Fernandez ● 6413d

Thanks both. Yes, we should have a burglar alarm I guess....especially now. They are predicting an upsurge of burglaries, aren't they?

Penny Crocker ● 6413d

Plant things with thorns - the police have a web page with a list [www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/garden.htm]. Climbers, such as wild rose, are probably best for covering the fence - if there is anywhere you can plant them against the outside of the fence, in the alley, even better. You can also get them to  grow over the roof of the shed.

David Fox ● 6413d

I suggest a big dog !

Andy Wright ● 6413d

Gerry and his gun?Idiot country to outlaw barbed wire. How about rotating spikes?

Graham Weeks ● 6413d

Re  Can we use barbed wire for example on the the roof and at the top of our fence?      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx    I haven't read the subsequent comments but you must do nothing that could harm thieves etc etc, no barbed wire and no glass pieces on top of walls. fences etc. And don't forget, you must only use " reasonable  " force if a thief does get in, they have human rights.

Tony Price ● 6412d

Perhaps if they call we should invite them in for a nice cup of tea???

Jean F Fernandez ● 6412d

Re  Perhaps if they call we should invite them in for a nice cup of tea???    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx    not as far fetched as you might think Jean, I read recently of a case where a school administrator ordered lights to be kept on at night in case burglars injured themselves in the dark. The mind boggles that such persons can exist.

Tony Price ● 6412d

Thanks all. Looks like the Garden Centre for me this weekend then. And the DIY shop for a burglar alarm. Barbed wire would have been easier but never mind !

Penny Crocker ● 6412d

Re Re  Barbed wire would have been easier but never mind !             xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx      where would you have acquired it?

Tony Price ● 6412d

No idea, never tried to buy it before. Can you still buy it?

Penny Crocker ● 6412d

answered my own question....available on E-bay from China !!

Penny Crocker ● 6412d

Re  No idea, never tried to buy it before. Can you still buy it?        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx    exactly, I doubt it is available at all, and I can't think where I have seen it " in operation " for some time now.

Tony Price ● 6412d

Re  answered my own question....available on E-bay from China !!         xxxxxxxxxxxxxx      try importing it!!, and even if you managed to get it into the country ( at horrendous cost of transportation, but I have a Chinese friend who may put it into a container of otherwise imported goods from his country ) you still won't be able to use it. All in all, a non-starter.

Tony Price ● 6412d

Would only use it if it's legal and as it isn't, I shan't be trying.

Penny Crocker ● 6412d

Our neighbour has capitulated and is allowing a gate to be built but I think I will still adopt some of the suggestions you guys made. I've developed a passion for firethorn bushes and anti-climb paint comes in neon pink !

Penny Crocker ● 6410d