Posted on 02/14/2011 7:47:34 AM PST by SeekAndFind
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.
''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.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
-PJ
-PJ
A complete lack of this: a commonsense approach needs to be taken. = your response.
This may sound like I’m berating you. Nothing could be further from the truth. The response you suggest is just about the only option left for people with common sense, facing a nonsensical judiciary who somehow believes that criminals have a right not to be hurt while they are hurting others. My head is about to explode deciphering such pretzel like thought processes. Methinks thought process is the wrong description.
Are you sure you are replying to me?
What happens if someone attacks you with a banana?
Council advises homeowners to leave sheds open for thieves
Britannia the formerly great is beyond satire now.
You need a few German Shepherd dogs to patrol inside the compound.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.