Friday 10 October 2014

protect your home and your fence

Anti-vandal paint is also known as anti-climb, anti-intruder and anti-scale paint. As these names suggest it is intended to prevent intruders from climbing up a surface where it has been applied and gaining access to a property. The paint generally has a gloss appearance and usually comes in dark colours so, for cosmetic reasons, it may not be suitable for all surfaces. Care should be taken to select a product that remains effective in both hot and cold weather conditions. Once applied anti-vandal paint does not dry, leaving a slippery surface which is very difficult to climb. Although it is not usually harmful, it will stain the clothes - and body - of anyone who tries to climb it.
Anti-vandal paint can be used on many surfaces and is often applied to walls and drainpipes - or any other surface or object that an intruder may attempt to climb. The paint is applied with a brush or by hand whilst wearing a protective glove. Once in place it should last for at least a year. However, the lifespan will depend on how often people attempt to climb the surface to which it has been applied.


Anti-Vandal Paint and the Law

Under the Occupier's Liability Act 1984 householders owe a duty of care to anyone on their property, whether they are entitled to be there or not. The duty is to protect people from an injury as a result of a foreseen hazard. If anti-vandal paint has been applied to a wall and an intruder slips and injures himself as a result, this is something that the householder could have predicted. Householders could also be caught up by the Highways Act 1980 if anti-vandal paint is used on a wall or surface which adjoins a public highway. The Highways Act states that care must be taken to avoid "harm or injury" to any person or animal using the highway.
The local crime reduction or crime prevention police officer should be happy to advise householders if they have any doubts about the legality, or efficacy, of any intruder deterrent methods they intend to use.

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