Anti-climb paint

Adaline

Someone tried to break into my back garden through the gate in the fence (about 6 foot high) but the gate was chained and padlocked so they didn't manage to get in. The community police came around, and advised me to use anti-climb paint on the top of the fence, to stop anyone trying to get over it. I've never heard of this. Has anyone used it, and could recommend a brand? I also heard that there may be regulations about using it, so I'd be grateful for any advice.

Owain_Moneysaver

AIUI it's not supposed to be used below 8' from the ground, and warning signs must be provided. Not so much 'regulations' as you being liable for damage to anyone's clothes otherwise.

Adaline

Thanks. Looking online, it seems to say it must be above 2 meters, and I think my fence is just under that. Although the policemen were telling me I should use it! Are there any brands that are better than others?

docmatt

Adaline wrote: »

Thanks. Looking online, it seems to say it must be above 2 meters, and I think my fence is just under that. Although the policemen were telling me I should use it! Are there any brands that are better than others?

It's all the same but it does dry up after a few hot summers. Just re-appy a little top coat every now and again.

pupmaster

Or dig an eight foot pit below the fence with sharpened bamboo cane at the bottom and cover it with grass ;-)

spike2012

I apply this to lamp posts we call it AV paint (anti-vandal) to stop kids climbing them...

AKA Non-drying paint etc. All pretty much same stuff, will last a couple of years We must apply 3m above ground level (so 10 feet)

When applying use standard 3" brush, cheap one will do but apply liberally! Think of it more as grease than painting your fence.

Also, if your fence is a bit short at the moment, consider a home made roller bar of which you can apply this paint to - they also roll off it lol :rotfl:

Search google or similar for "Warning, anti-climb paint" Signs.

HTH

Becles

We had a problem with children climbing over our garden fence to retrieve the ball and causing damage to the fence and plants. I was annoyed when my garden bench was broken, especially as I don't mind fetching the ball if they come round and knock on the front door!

The local policeman told me to paint the anti-vandal paint on the top of the fence. It is thick and gloopy so I just bought one of the cheap value own brand brushes and chucked it after use!

The policeman said I would have to put a sign up, but he did remind me that I can't watch a sign 24/7, and these pesky children would be likely to rip it down

The paint seemed to have magical anti-ball force field too, as since we put it on, the ball hardly comes over the fence at all. You'd almost think they'd been kicking it over on purpose or something.

aries69

I used it after break in, displayed the signs etc but my neighbour complained cos her 3 cats walked along the wall then back into her house over her new white rug and duvet. Nasty stuff to wash out

laurel7172

Cotoneaster. Plant it up your fence and train it along the top. Pretty berries, loved by the birds, and absolutely vicious thorns.

Everybody wins. Except the burglar.

Adaline

Thanks all. Much as I like the idea of Pupmaster's suggestion of a secret pit, as it's a space I sometimes park my car in, it's maybe not such a good idea! I'll measure the fence tomorrow to see if it's 2 meters, and if not may got with laurel7172's idea of a cotoneaster, though I've a clematis growing up one side and don't want to interfere with that.

d123

There doesn't seem to be a rule in law with regard to height, but police advice is as follows:

Can I use anti-climbing paint on a building or wall to prevent trespassers and anti-social behaviour?

Yes, it is perfectly legal to use anti-climbing paint although there are a couple of factors which should be considered when applying the paint -

You should make sure the anti-climbing paint starts at a reasonably high level so passers by do not damage their clothing inadvertently.
'Warning anti climb paint' types of signs should be clearly posted wherever the paint is in use. These should be posted to protect the company or householder from being sued in a civil court, e.g. to protect from civil action for damage to clothing.
The notices should be simple enough for a reasonably young person to understand as, apart from intruders, they are the ones likely to be trying to climb up.