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Fence Toppings To Keep Intruders Out Of Your Business Premises

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Theft of metals and plants from open yards can be a problem for construction business owners.  A sturdy fence on its own might not be enough to keep intruders off your property.  However, your fencing contractor will be able to upgrade your boundary fencing with toppings that will make it more burglar-proof.

If you want to make your commercial premises' perimeter fencing more secure, read on to find out what options are available.

Barbed wire and razor tape

Barbed and razor tape is very effective as a deterrent to opportunist thieves.  The wire is fitted securely to the top of the fence and works by snagging the clothing of anyone trying to climb over it, effectively trapping them on top of the fence.

Because these toppings are potentially injurious, your fencing must exceed a couple of metres in height in order for you to stay within local planning laws.

Manufactured spikes

There are several different types of spikes available for use around commercial premises.  Some systems use long, angled metal spikes, and there are also plastic types available which are slightly cheaper.  Spiked fence toppings are a great deterrent for opportunist intruders and are extremely difficult to remove, even using heavy duty wire cutters.  This is usually sufficient to put off even the most determined burglar.

Again, your fencing needs to be a couple of metres high if you use a spiked topping in order for it to be legal.

Rotating and spinning toppings

Toppings that spin or rotate are cleverly designed to prevent intruders from climbing over fencing.  Such toppings are usually angled to the outside of the fencing.  This makes it extremely difficult for a would-be burglar to tackle; not only is the topping set at an angle that's difficult to climb over, but it also spins, providing no stable surface on which to establish a hold.

Rotating toppings come in different forms.  Some are fabricated as smooth, aluminum or plastic tubes, whilst others are like rotating, spiky cylinders.  As this type of topping is classed as 'non-injurious', you can have slightly lower fencing and still remain within local planning laws.

Anti-climb (non-drying) paint  

Anti-climb paint is another non-injurious option that is very useful in deterring intruders.  The paint is extremely sticky and won't dry, meaning that anyone who attempts to climb over your fence will end up covered in it.  It's a good topping option if you're on a restricted budget as it's much cheaper than other types of security topping, although you will need to have the paint renewed periodically to maintain its efficacy.

Warning signs

If you opt for a fence topping that could potentially cause injury to an intruder, you must fit clear warning signs to your perimeter fencing.  This also applies to anti-climb paint.  These signs can act as an effective deterrent on their own and must be fitted to the public-facing side of the fencing at regular intervals so that they can be clearly seen. 

The signs should state; 'Danger, Anti-Climbing Spikes', or whatever the fence topping consists of.  This will greatly reduce your liability should anyone attempt to climb the fencing, injure themselves in the process, and then attempt to sue you.

Your fencing contractor will be able to provide you with the necessary warning signs to go with your new fence topping.

In conclusion

You can deter unwanted intruders from accessing your commercial property by having a fence topping fitted.  Your local fencing contractor will be pleased to go through the options available and will also be in a position to advise you on local planning regulations concerning security fencing.


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