PREPPERGIRL.UK: USING RAZOR WIRE

Using razor wire strategically can prove an ultimate crime, and attack prevention method.

TAKE CARE IF YOU PLAN ON
DIY INSTALLATION THIS IS
EXTREMELY UNFORGIVING

Part of our perimeter security (we are an all walled property) we have this fitted inside our walls, not street visible, make sure you are aware of the legalities regarding razor wire, keeping it 'advisory legal' with outer signage applied as recommended by the fitting company. This is one project i did not undertake to do myself. Remember to buy a spare roll for alternative ideas.

The legal side, this is not intended to be a complete guide into the legalities of razor wire but shows the main acts at time of article. Some advice, i did 'go into' this before having it installed including approaching various authorities.

Galvanised and coated razor wire

Stock Images

One thought is your neighbours depending where you live. Whilst both razor wire and electrified fencing is prevalent back home in South Africa for home protection, here in the U.K an elaborate road visible wall topping of razor wire could be met with complaint, although perhaps legally allowed if said wire is fitted within the laws pertaining to it you do not want a write up in the local paper about it's unfounded dangers (if fitted correctly and within the law) with people worried about house prices dropping. That is not being 'the grey house' in the street, avoid this possible conflict and fit inside.

LEGALITIES

THIS SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED
AS ANY FORM OF LEGAL ADVICE

Highways act 1980 section 154 overhanging the highway. If your topping overhangs into the public highway you could receive an order to remove it. To stay clear of problems have a reputable company fit it, check it regular to see if any part has become detached causing it to overhang.

Highways act 1980 section 164 ' Injurious toppings' If you break this law, which only applies if the boundary you fit the security topping on borders a highway/public footpath, you will be told to remove it and be served a relevant notice. This will happen if your security is lower than 2.4 metres. Don't fit if lower than the law allows, perhaps extend original height of original boundary first, planning permission maybe required.

Occupiers liability act 1957. Whilst you cannot have any case brought about for ignoring this it does leave a gateway open for someone who injured due to your security measures. This will relate to an visitors or callers to your home. If you fit it yourself make sure you do a good job or have a suitable company do it. Ensure it is high and out of reach

.Occupiers liability act of 1984. This applies to trespassers who injure themselves, be it a burglar or someone out just stealing a few apples off your tree. Warning Signage is essential on the outside fence or wall to warn of security measures that could injure, it could help your defence if you were bought to court. Do not hide your security topping, it maybe viewed in court as a trap.

USING INDOORS

Home invasion, fire a roll of razor wire down the stairs, you can use a release strap to free it very quickly, various methods to hide the coiled wire such as a commercial radiator cover with magnetic catches. Not wishing to elaborate on this prep (for reasons of our own security measures) but take a look at relays, remotes, electromagnetic catches etc, you can 'fire' your wire by remote. It can come from above, be spring loaded as well as static. Remember the deployment of anti activation safety features especially if you have kids is VERY important.

NOTHING HERE IS ADVICE
IT IS JUST A SHARE OF IDEAS

Coil of razor wire released blocking the first stairs, this is under it's own tension plus gravity

Ensure you affix the end of your coil to a solid fix or it will end up as a fairly useless coiled heap ha, for instance bend the end of the coil around a 'D' bracket then recoil and set, it will self tension when you squash it up.

If you are setting a short run of static razor wire outdoors, indoors, below a window or wherever, use larger screw eyelets to hold it, cut the lengths of wire required and label where you fit them so they are ready to be deployed. Razor wire will stop or slow anyone, unless they are wearing a suit of armour covered in oil they will either get cut, caught up or slowed down.

ALARM YOUR WIRE

You can alarm your wire effectively and cheaply using tilt/vibration switches and then wiring to your home alarm 24 hour anti tamper circuit, this will alert you to fence attack or someones dangling in it

Razor wire can also be run within your garden/property/ inside perimeter if scenario risk requires. Have precut stored lengths for this ready for use with screw in eyes already fitted.