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In our latest 90 Second Insight video we take a close look at versatile Stegastrip anti-climb spikes along with the StegaRota rotating anti-climb barrier system.
We regularly look at the subject of home and property security in our blog. Our posts and videos offer a variety of important, actionable recommendations which we know, from experience, are enormously beneficial.
As well as paying attention to the doors, windows, gates and locks that keep unwanted intruders outside, we always advocate the implementation of layered security. An important layer in this security strategy is the property perimeter. Walls, fences, hedges and gateways all need to be as secure as possible. Potential intruders not only need to be prevented from gaining entry, they also need to be deterred from even thinking about attempting to break in.
Do Anti Climb Spikes Work?
Once upon a time in the not too distant past, people would sometimes use broken glass, set into concrete, along the top of walls to deter and prevent unwanted intruders, including cats, from climbing into private property. But perimeter security measures like this, which can potentially cause significant harm, are not advisable. Property occupiers have a duty of care toward everyone who enters their property, whether they are welcome or not. So if a trespasser or intruder was to hurt themselves on an intentionally harmful anti climb barrier the property owner is likely to be liable.
But the reason people have used spikey, sharp anti climb barriers is because they work. They present a powerful visual deterrent because they look nasty and they are difficult to safely climb over. A potential intruder is prompted to seek alternative, safer, easier-to-enter premises when faced with a robust anti climb barrier.
What is Stegastrip?
Stegastrip is a highly effective, versatile anti-climb spike system that’s widely used to bolster perimeter security in both domestic and commercial settings. The spike strips, made from a robust, rigid, weatherproof plastic, are easy to install and immediately present a formidable anti climb barrier and deterrent.
An important attribute of Stegastrip anti climb spikes is their black visual appearance that looks like wrought iron. Although these rigid plastic spikes are non-lethal, they look very nasty and nobody would want to risk hurting themselves by attempting to climb over. The strips are slightly flexible, allowing them to be easily attached to curved fences, walls, gates or trellis.
What is StegaRota?
A unique design feature of Stegastrip is the ability to attach Stegastrips, back to back, to form StegaRota. Two 500mm Stegastrips are firmly joined together using a number of screws. Each rotating length of StegaRota is supported by specially mounted support posts.
The key differences between Stegastrip and StegaRota are that StegaRota adds instability to the anti-intruder armoury. Also, StegaRota adds more height to the protected boundary.
Unstable, rotating anti climb barriers are very difficult to negotiate so this additional protective attribute is another facet that keeps intruders at bay. But when installing anti climb barriers on top of walls and fences its important to remain within legally defined height constraints. For fences and walls that are not adjacent to a public highway there is a maximum overall height constraint of 2m (6 feet 6 inches) as described below.
Are Anti Climb Spikes Legal in the UK?
When considering the use of anti climb spikes its important to be aware of various regulations and legal statutes that apply. These include the 1957 Occupiers’ Liability Act, the Occupiers Liability Act 1984 and the Highways Act 1980.
As mentioned previously regarding the historic use of broken glass set in concrete for perimeter security, occupiers liability refers to the duty of care that property occupiers have for anyone who enters their property, regardless of whether they are permitted to be there and even if they have criminal intentions. This is why the use of purposely harmful barriers, such as razor wire and jagged broken glass, is not permitted.
Section 164 of the Highways Act 1980 stipulates that barbed wire on land adjoining a public highway must not cause a nuisance or present a danger to humans or animals using that highway. And the boundary height Restrictions, according to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, state that the general height limit for boundary fences is just 1 metre, if the fence is next to a highway or footpath. Boundary fences or walls not next to a highway can be a maximum height of 2 metres (about 6 feet 6 inches). This maximum height includes any form of fence-topper such as trellis or an anti-climb barrier so this is an important consideration when planning the deployment of anti climb protection.
Before installing an anti climb barrier on top of a perimeter wall, fence or gateway its always worthwhile checking with local planning departments, to make certain the proposed installation is compliant.
Essential Warning Signage
In order for a property occupier to fulfil their duty of care toward anyone who might attempt to enter their property they must display clear warning signs indicating that that anti climb protection is in place. If such signs are not displayed and someone injures themselves or damages their clothes, due to the perimeter security precautions, then the occupier can be found to have been liable.
Prominent warning signs need to be clearly visible to anyone approaching a protected perimeter wall or fence. For longer, straight sections of wall or fence, warning signs located at around 3 metre intervals are recommended.
Is Stegastrip or StegaRota Right for You?
Here at Insight Security we know how difficult it can be to devise an effective physical perimeter security strategy for a particular property. There are a wide variety of security solutions on the market today, so how do you know which is the right one for you and your specific needs?
This is why we offer our entirely free advisory service wherein our experienced consultants take the time to listen to your needs and work with you to come up with a security solution that does what you need it to do.
For more information on Anticlimb Stegastrip and StegaRota Explained - 90 Second Insight talk to Insight Security