Shed owners warned wire on windows could hurt burglars

[Polly Fouracre]

Oh, Tony, I used to get a larruping quite often as a child. I haven't heard the word since 'til now!

[arpoet]

Just happen to store your spare carpet gripper on the window sill.

Not for defence of course just that is where I store it officer but at least now you can get DNA from the blood.

Colin

Oh Dear.. so if they burgle me and take my antique carpets and catch themselves on the carpet grips then i could go to prison where i dont have to pay taxes, or go out in the rain and queue up to vote, and get all my meals for free... hmmmm I will have to give it some thought.....

[Mikey]

MY lottie shed has no lock and no security over the window. It has a nail holding the latch on the door shut.

Inside there are a load of very old and decrepit tools, along with two buckets, one for urine and the other for nettle fertiliser.

As yet no one has broken in and stolen anything, I imagine very few could stand the stench.

If you have little of value there is little to steal.

Personally I believe the further you go to protect your shed the more likely you are to be broken into. Extra secure shed = valuable goods inside. No security = pile of s**t inside. simples.

[Seahorse]

How likely is it though. I mean has a burglar ever actually successfully sued someone they tried to rob? I don't buy it - it's one of them urban myths

I had a spare five minutes, so I've just Googled. With the exception of the Tony Martin case, which to be fair was quite extreme, I can't find any UK instances of a burglar even trying to sue, never mind being successful. There are some US cases and plenty of 'my friend's brother's aunty's neighbour knows someone it happened to' but I agree it's probably nothing more than a slow news day story

[Hilary B]

You are not allowed to keep any kind of weapon for 'in case someone breaks in', but a police officer I know online recommends a large torch (e.g. the size of Maglight that takes 6 D cells) kept beside the bed 'in case of powercuts', and if you happen to meet anyone who shouldn't be in your house, what is more likely than that you strike out in panic?
It is when you DELIBERATELY make preparations, or act, to harm the intruder that you may be in trouble. If it all happens too quickly to thnk about, after precautions taken for totally unrelated reasons, you are in the clear.
The electric fence was to keep foxes out of your chook run. The beehives are behind the gate because that is the best place for them, and surely you are nt to blame if some yob slams the gate back (when it was padlocked anyway) and the bees come out in a temper and sting him and his pals?
There are ways!

[frogga]

The world has gone mad, everything should be done to prevent burglary, and these idiot lawyers and human rights should be taken out of the equation. If they want to steal they should be the guilty party in all cases, what a complete ridiculous statement.

[TonyF]

Many many years ago, I got called to a shooting at a house in Essex. An elderly couple, laying in bed, isolated location and they had burglars. The guy had a shotgun - quite legally - and when one of the rascals got to the door and tried the handle, the old guy, being in fear of his life, shouted that he had a gun and would shoot. The little rascal made an inappropraite comment and came through the door, at which time the old guy literally gave him both barrels.

Apart from the decorating bill - it was VERY messy at fairly close range - and some rather softly handled questioning, the old County Prosecuting Socilitor was of the opinion that there was no chance of the old feller going on trial, he had given fair warning, was in fear of his and his wifes life and had acted appropriately.

Today he'd have been prosecuted, probably because he failed to carry our a risk/health and safety assessment when he fired the gun - causing his wife hearing damage? - and for infringing the scrotes civil rights - and now of course, if the scrote was on the child sex offender register, he could also be awaiting his compensation if he hadn't been allowed to appeal to have his name removed after 15 years.

Madness, complete and utter madness.

[Jardiniere]

DONT GET ME STARTED........This story is as someone said the newspaper making a story on a slow news day.....
most H&S stories are either untrue or very badly reported....
remind yourselves ...you do risk assessments in your head all the time ......
proper H&S AT WORK saves lives, livelihoods and money.
OK RANT OVER...

[Two_Sheds]

a large torch...kept beside the bed 'in case of powercuts'

How about a large spade, kept in case of impulsive midnight digging?

[zazen999]

*It's not the police - it's the CPS stopping cases from going to court and it's the Human Rights Act [which was initially brought in to assist people who were undergoing torture] which has been abused by all and sundry.

Does anyone know a police-person who likes doing their job with one arm tied behind their back?

[chris]

Hate to say it, but if someone broke in my house and threatened to harm my family I'd be aiming to bring as much harm as I physically could do to them (in order to stop them bringing harm to my family). I know I'd end up the worse off in terms of legal punishment (and probably physically too).

along the same lines... BBC News - Essex businessman pays out over 'thief' sign

[Glutton4...]

What about the Thief who has been awarded compensation for stress and embarrassment he suffered when his Boss, who he had stolen from, marched him to the Police station wearing a placard saying 'THIEF'?!!!!

Like I said the bl**dy world has gone mad - can I get off please.....

[binley100]

Does anyone know a police-person who likes doing their job with one arm tied behind their back?

No........

Hopefully the granny who foiled the Jewellers robbery by smacking the scum with her handbag will be awarded for her bravery.......

[starloc]

I have razor wire up to stop burglers, if they get hurt....they can sue me! if they want......, i can then sue them back as then i know who they are! ,

police warned me to take it down, and i told them to get lost,

they also warned me about the dangers of samurai swords and crossbows in the house as well advised me to get rid of them as it was safer..... i again told them to get lost

[zazen999]

No........

Hopefully the granny who foiled the Jewellers robbery by smacking the scum with her handbag will be awarded for her bravery.......

I hope so, but I suspect the robbers will sue her and probably win.