Unwanted Intruders

[dinga]

Hi All, To cut a long story short, we have youths jumping our fence as a short cut to gain access to the main road. The fence has been broken, which is a pain but can be repaired. However, we have told them three times this week not to use this, as we caught them going over. I have located in a DIY catologue some Anti-intruder Paint (Paint that stays wet). We were going to paint the top of the fence as a deterrent but am concerned as to where we would stand legally - could be be liable for damaging their clothes etc?? Thanks for any help you can give.

[Woodsz]

The council use it but they put a warning sign up you could do the same

[stanleyman]

Trespass is a civil offence although you can use reasonable force to remove them and obtain an injunction if they persist. Damage to your fence is a criminal offence and should be reported to the police. Painting your fence is a good idea but you may need to display a warning sign to cover yourself. If they were to take action against you at least you can find out who they are and take your own action. So long as you act reasonably any judge should be on your side if it came to it. Put barbed wire on the top of the fence or get a big dog!!! Good luck.

[Brinjal]

Make your fence higher. It is irritating that you have to go to this expense but long term it is really the only answer. People like this dont have respect for others property and privacy so it is up to you to do something permanent.

[dinga]

Thank you for all your help....Will a sign just saying "CAUTION, WET PAINT" be sufficient?? I could print something up and put it in a plastic folder and attach to both sides of the fence...I just don't want trouble from p'off parents or my car being torched!!

[Pies]

I friend of mine has a similar problem but is more sadistic than you as he uses carpet grippers nailed across the top of the fence plus said anti vandal paint

There is evidence of people coming in contact with these measures and as yet not one complaint

Just a thought, was there no mention of liability on the paint tin?

[dinga]

Hi Pies, The paint just says "Use with warning signs as a deterrent"

So not sure if this is for legal reasons....

[andyjevs]

Smother the top of the fence with grease....they don't like it all over their amani tops

[Pies]

Seems that you must put up signs stating that you are actually using anti vandal paint as mentioned above

Which would probably be an deterrent in itself If its mentioned on the paint tin i'd follow suit

[joko]

perhaps put some holly bushes at the base of the fence and put up a sign saying beware of the dog. you could also try a sprinkler system with sensors

[Chessman]

I had this problem a few years ago I used 'Fruit Tree Grease', spread thickly along the top of the fence. A harmless substance, that got them just a little bit messy, no more problem.

[Hermia]

My parents got told off by the police because they put some decorative trellis on the top of their fence to deter burglers. The policeman told them to take it down or they'd be liable for prosecution if a burglar hurt himself!

[dinga]

What is this country coming to?? This is the problem, you get in more trouble with the authorities than the thugs! I may give the fruit grease a go...where do I get that from...A garden centre or BBQ?

[logman]

Thanks its a good opportunity for me to get rid of a cofession, an old trick of mine was to give the fence a good squirt of HP sauce. As soon as they see it on their lilly white hands, they think its somethig unsavory and go running back to mummy, and hey its perfectly legal to sauce your fence. If any mums and dad come round complaining, just say them bloody pigeons ! Another good deterent is some thorny shrubs like pyracantha (fire thorn) or berberris, looks good too hope you find a solution.