Posted on 11/01/2005 11:48:06 AM PST by robowombat
No change on burglar law By SUN ONLINE REPORTER
THERE will be no reform of the law on how much force householders can use to tackle a burglar, the Home Secretary has decided.
Charles Clarke ruled that existing legislation was "sound", but needs to be better explained.
Instead, a new campaign will educate the public about how far they can go to defend their property under current law.
Prime Minister Tony Blair last month said he would support a change in the law, if Government consultations showed it was necessary.
The move followed Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens's statement that people should be allowed to use what force was necessary when tackling intruders without facing prosecution.
At present the law says “reasonable force” can be used by householders, but campaigners complain that too many are subject to police investigation of their actions.
Debate on the issue followed the death of John Monckton who was stabbed to death during a burglary at his home in London's Chelsea last November.
Ninety-nine percent of Brits believe they should have the right to defend their homes against burglars, according to a survey by Virgin Money Insurance.
Appropriate force will be limited to tapping the burglar on the shoulder and saying "excuse me, sir, would you mind not burglarizing my house?"
The rest practice home invasion.
what is Sandy up to now?
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