property protection and the law

[tweenyb]

hi a quickish question or 2..

1 We are having a spate of burglaries in our are and some people have put broken glass on their bay windows, garage roofs and flower beds... is this legal? what would happen if they got broken into and the burglar injured themselves?

2 is it legal to put cctv up in a communal area? are there any laws/restrictions to be aware of?

Thanks all xx

[Kathyan]

I remember reading of a woman who had been burgled several times and her son put broken glass on the wall to stop people climbing over. The police made him take it down as it 'could hurt someone trying to break in'! You couldn't make it up!

[granny grump]

I saw an article in the paper this week that some police forces - I think that it was in Kent - are advisng people not to put chicken wire on their shed windows to reinforce the glasss as it might hurt anyone breaking in - But it was in the Mail (I think) I can never remember the whole story!

[joko]

it could cause injury to someone escaping from a fire or the fire brigade

[scotman]

I believe(but am not certain) that this sort of thing is illegal in Scotland. I think it has to do with some people maybe having legitimate reasons for climbing the wall eg firemen, police etc. In the extreme you could plant land mines in your lawn otherwise.

[dotty.]

If you put cctv in an area where the public are admitted then you have to put up notices telling them that they are on cctv for their safety and security./

[claguey]

Apparently criminals have rights too and can sue you ,the property owner ,should they injure themselves whilst climbing the wall. Unbelieveable! However, should you catch them then you can use 'reasonable force' to protect yourself or your property, but don't chase them off the premises and then use 'reasonable force' as they run away as that is deemed assault or worse.
CCTV as said before in a public place, must have signs up to notify people of its presence, I suppose it also warns the criminals to keep their hoodies up and cover their faces.

[weas]

do it all !! glass keeps piegons out!! cctv watches wild life

[tweenyb]

good morning everyone, thank you all so very much for your answers, very much appreciated.... cctv and signs it may well have to be.

have a great day :0)