This is just not right.

[southpennrailroad]

This is just not right!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/outdoo ... glars.html

Shed owners warned wire on windows could hurt burglars
Police have told residents to stop putting wire mesh on their garden shed windows – because they could be sued if a burglar is injured.
Wire over window
Some shed owners were told that the wire reinforcement was 'dangerous' Photo: ALAMY
By Daily Telegraph Reporter 9:00AM GMT 12 Feb 2011

Comments

A spate of thefts in several towns and villages in Kent and Surrey over the past few months led to many householders taking action to protect their property.

Some have been warned by police that using wire mesh to reinforce shed windows was ''dangerous’’ and could lead to criminals claiming compensation if they ''hurt themselves’’.

Thieves target sheds to steal lawnmowers, power drills, bicycles and a variety of DIY tools.

Thomas Cooper, of Tatsfield, Surrey, used wire mesh to protect three of his garden sheds after two break-ins over the past four years. He decided to take action after reports of a rise in garden raids in the area.

Mr Cooper said: “I reinforced my shed windows with wire mesh, but was told by the police I had to be very careful because thieves can actually sue you if they get hurt.

Related Articles

*
Suspected burglar considers suing police after dog bit off his ear
14 Aug 2009

''It is ridiculous that the law protects them even though they are breaking it.â€

[Nitetimes]

Maybe concertina wire would be a better choice....then you could just follow the blood trail!! What a pile of *&%$!!!

[Wanna Be]

As long as it's inside the shed behind the glass shouldn't be
a problem. It's what I have been advised to do.
Or cover the windows with plywood on the inside with scerws
to make it removable. I did that to be safe.
After it was to late to help

[caseydog]

Anyone can sue anyone for any reason. That doesn't mean they will win.

CD

[Woodbutcher]

Instead of wire maybe a well placed bullet will solve the problem. Plus no witnesses to clog up the courts.

[S. Heisley]

First of all, those comments aren't from America. I believe they're from the British Isles.

Second, using wire is kind of stupid in the first place. All a burglar has to do take a little more time with wire cutters. The owners should be putting window bars across their windows. Also, there are fairly inexpensive devices that notify the owner when someone is prowling around or that take pictures of the culprit or that can even spray him with colored water so the owner or police can follow the trail.

Yes, that law should be changed but also, the owners can counter-sue for damages and suffering. Also, the owners can get a little smarter. Stupidity is its own excuse.

...Just my thoughts.

[parnold]

I recently read a story of an old man getting mugged and beaten by three youths. He shot and killed two but LET the third get away.

Why???

Because he turned to flee as soon as he saw the old man draw his weapon. The old man would have had to shoot him in the back and that would have landed him in jail. The two he killed were ruled as justifiable homicide in self defense.

Smart old man!!!

[planovet]

Any person breaking into my property will not have to worry about getting injured by wire over the windows.

Their main worry will be of dying of lead poisoning.

[southpennrailroad]

Clint Eastwood would have shot him No I was just kidding. I know! I know! This is civilization?

[southpennrailroad]

First of all, those comments aren't from America. I believe they're from the British Isles.

Second, using wire is kind of stupid in the first place. All a burglar has to do take a little more time with wire cutters. The owners should be putting window bars across their windows. Also, there are fairly inexpensive devices that notify the owner when someone is prowling around or that take pictures of the culprit or that can even spray him with colored water so the owner or police can follow the trail.

Yes, that law should be changed but also, the owners can counter-sue for damages and suffering. Also, the owners can get a little smarter. Stupidity is its own excuse.

...Just my thoughts.

You are correct about this story being in the land of confiscated/turn your guns in country of England. I wonder if the owner would have been inside the shed when they stole it and when they got to the place where they were going to unload it he could have unloaded on them had he had a gun?

[planovet]

Clint Eastwood would have shot him No I was just kidding. I know! I know! This is civilization?

Yes he would! And what does "civilization" have to do with it? I don't consider thieves very civilized and I refuse to treat them that way.

[angib]

Yes, that story was from Britain - but it was printed in The Telegraph which is one of two British newspaper equivalents of Fox News - what it prints doesn't have to be true as long as it gets British conservatives worked up about "the state the country is in" (and of course, how much better it would be if they ruled it - which they now do).

People here are always quoting who sued who for what, but there is very little truth in these statements. One dumb police officer said something ill-considered and The Telgraph suggests the law has been changed - because it sells papers!

[Weirdnerd]

Could be interesting to set a remotely operated/ GPS traked/live digital feed cameras shed ( live african bees inside a remotely shaken container) , on wheels, and ready to be stolen, then wait until the yobs unload it, operate the shaker and post the results on youtube.

[Steve_Cox]

Yes, that story was from Britain - but it was printed in The Telegraph which is one of two British newspaper equivalents of Fox News - what it prints doesn't have to be true as long as it gets British conservatives worked up about "the state the country is in" (and of course, how much better it would be if they ruled it - which they now do).

People here are always quoting who sued who for what, but there is very little truth in these statements. One dumb police officer said something ill-considered and The Telgraph suggests the law has been changed - because it sells papers!

Andrew,

Thanks for the "honorable" mention of Faux News in Merica.... I always get a kick out of reading the Telegraph when I see a copy. It is "infotainment"