Shed owners warned wire on windows could hurt burglars

[Jazzy]

Police have told residents to stop putting wire mesh on their garden shed windows – because they could be sued if a burglar is injured.

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.



Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/ou...ned-wire-on-windows-could-hurt-burglars.html#

 

[Evil Eye]

They should sue the thief for destroying their mesh.

 

[The Dragon Master]

This is stupid

You would think that they would have lost any legal right to sue the homeowner when they trespassed, and then broke in. Stupid laws...



My friend has a Grandma that has a farm with guard dogs and someone tried to break in and got bitten. They tried to sue her, by claiming that there wasn't enough Beware Guard Dog signs. But when you go there, there's, like, 2/3 on the main gate and crap loads on the house and all the fences. Needless to say, the burglar's didn't win.

 

[Naviero X]

This is stupid

You would think that they would have lost any legal right to sue the homeowner when they trespassed, and then broke in. Stupid laws...

Exactly! Why should the owners be in trouble for just being safe? The police are fooling themselves if they really believe that the citizens should be in trouble, and not the burglars...