The cops must be nuts!!
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: wire on windows might hurt burglars
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:14:03 -0500 (EST)
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Dont put wire on your windows it might hurt burglars! Villagers outraged
after police order them not to protect garden sheds
By Daily Mail Reporter
<http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Daily+Mail+Reporter>
Last updated at 3:15 AM on 13th February 2011
<http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356388/Villagers-outraged-police-order-protect-garden-sheds.html>
Residents in Surrey and Kent villages have been ordered by police to
remove wire mesh from their windows as burglars could be injured.
Home owners in the villages of Tandridge and Tatsfield in Surrey and in
Westerham, Brasted and Sundridge in Kent have said they are furious that
they are being branded 'criminals' for protecting their property.
Locals had reinforced their windows with wire mesh after a series of
shed thefts but were told by community police officers that the wire was
'dangerous' and could lead to criminals claiming compensation if they
'hurt themselves'.
'Dangerous': Police have told villagers that wire mesh protecting their
windows could hurt burglars and lead to lawsuits
Surrey Police have defended the move but outraged residents have
attacked the force for seemingly trying to protect criminals.
Thomas Cooper, of Tatsfield, Surrey, said he put the mesh around three
of his garden sheds after two break-ins over the past four years.
He said he decided to take action after reports of a rise in shed
burglaries in the area near the Kent and Surrey border.
'I have three sheds and had two break-ins in the past four years,' Mr
Cooper explained.
'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.
'"I mean, what are you meant to do? Let them take your stuff? It is
ridiculous that the law protects them even though they are breaking it.'
More... As a family of 14 gypsies face eviction for terrorising their
neighbours and wrecking the #1.2m home where they live on benefits, will
they trash YOUR street next?
<http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356129/Gypsy-family-14-face-eviction-trash-YOUR-street-next.html>
Last month mother-of-three Samantha Cullum had her entire shed pinched
in the village of Brasted, near Sevenoaks in Kent, when thieves simply
lifted it onto a truck in the dead of night.
'We had some tools stolen every now and again, but this time they took
the entire shed - I couldn't believe it.'
Tatsfield homeowner Dave Bishop labelled the police advice
'unbelievable' and said people should be allowed to protect their property.
Breaking and entry: Police warned criminals could sue if they sustain
injuries while attempting burglary
Crime reduction officer for Tandridge PC John Lee commented: 'We are
constantly advising homeowners 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.'
Read more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356388/Villagers-outraged-police-order-protect-garden-sheds.html#ixzz1DwpPJReP
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