Police have told residents to stop putting wire mesh on their garden shed windows – because they could be sued if a burglar is injured.
By Daily Telegraph Reporter 9:00AM GMT 12 Feb 2011
118 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.

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.”
Last month Samantha Cullum, a mother-of-three, of Brasted, near Sevenoaks in Kent, had her whole shed stolen when thieves lifted it on to a lorry.

She said: “We had some tools stolen every now and again, but this time they took the entire shed – I couldn’t believe it.”

Dave Bishop, of Tatsfield, said: “The law is so stupid, and you never know what decision judges are going to make. People do get fed up with these people trying to help themselves to things which you have worked hard to gather together.”

Pc John Lee, a crime reduction officer for Tandridge, said: “We are constantly advising home owners to protect their property and the contents of their shed or garage, however, a commonsense approach needs to be taken.

“To properly secure your sheds, Surrey Police strongly advises people to invest in items such as good-quality locks and bolts, and not to resort to homemade devices, as this could cause injury.”

A police source added: “Homemade devices can cause injury and there have been cases where criminals have sued for injuries they have suffered while committing a criminal act.

''We are advising people to do whatever they can to protect their property, but wire mesh is not one of the suggestions we would make.”

what a friggin' mesh that is.


I can't imagine any municipality siding with the trespasser unless wire mesh was illegal or trespassing was considered a legitimate business endeavor.

Something I don't understand. Why would a lawyer get involved in this case? Only reason is to make money. IIRC, the lawyer makes money only when the perp wins and he takes a percentage of it. Say he takes 30% of the winnings.

Lawyer tells the homeowner or insurance company "In the past, awards for this sort of thing have been about $100K. If we fight in court, it costs you $50K. If you lose, your total cost is $150K. If you pay me $80K, I'll drop the suit and we disappear."

How can this work? Well the jury has to give the award. If not, the lawyer cannot cite a presidence. If he cannot show a presidence and doesn't get an award, he gets nothing.

So who does this all hinge on? The 12 morons on the jury that give away "free money" in the "little guy's favor".

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

Not up to the municipality. It is up to the 12 idiots that give away money

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

Yeah, cause that will keep them out

__________________
1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

Wow I'm so glad I don't live in the UK, around here they would be in more danger of getting hurt by running into my .45 caliber bullet than a reinforced shed window.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

That's why back in Holland you always have laying next to your baseball bat a ball and a glove at your bedside...

__________________
1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

One has nothing to do with the other; you’re confusing civil and criminal law.

Well, that would work here and in Texas – not sure about the Constitution State; check all local laws before defending yourself.

haha, those late night dreams about baseball just pop up sometimes and you can't get back to sleep without playing

__________________
1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

That works, in certain states you want a knife or a very real looking airsoft pistol handy. (also make sure he is dead) Something for the perp to carry if they didn't happen to bring their own.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

In CT they have to be in the house, in TX you can open fire as soon as they are on your property.

Refer to my above post about a knife/airsoft gun.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Oh, I get it. You want to give them a fighting chance.

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

Most of us have guns in the house too; gotta be pretty stupid to break into a house in Texas - but it does happen.

__________________
- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

Its a 1 mile drive down a narrow track with no way of turning around, no other way on or off the property, you can hear the dogs barking from the closed front gate. Never had an uninvited visitor.

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

My attorneys advised me to not have a shed.