Criminal Protection Of Property
Just when I was sure the UK couldn't possibly get any more PC, they up and surprise me. From the Daily Mail, residents are being told to remove wire mesh from their windows lest they give a poor burglar an ouchie!
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'.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.'
I have one simple response to this - leave the mesh but electrify it. Then no one will cut themselves on it...
Ltw at February 14, 2011 1:13 AM
You're reading the Daily Mail again. That's a bit like me using Bill O'Reilly as my only source of news about the states.
Seriously, there are whole websites devoted to debunking it. Don't get me wrong it's not all roses and stuff over here but it's no where near as bad as the insane hell hole the Daily Hate makes it out to be.
Simon Proctor at February 14, 2011 1:17 AM
Actually, most British newspapers are terrible. A young evolutionary psychology had his quotes invented and work misrepresented by the Times of London. But, I figured this story was probably pretty safe. There are just too many wild incidences of PC in the UK right now.
Amy Alkon at February 14, 2011 6:19 AM
Actually, this is neither new nor unknown in the US.
In the late 1950s our house was broken into. My father angrily said he would keep a baseball bat handy in case anyone broke in while he was around. The police of the time remained officially silent - but one officer took him aside and told him tht if he encountered a thug "Don't let him get out of the house. If he gets to the sidewalk he can sue you."
John A at February 14, 2011 9:04 AM
Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson won't put up with this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLjS3gzHetA
Eric at February 14, 2011 9:50 AM
This type of thing has happened in the US before though none of the examples I can think of are recent.
When I was I child it became popular in that area to electrify fences to keep people out. They started to keep animals in. Someone official (police? County prosecutor? don't remember) unofficially advised people to shut off the juice because they could be sued if they didn't have a legitimate reason (e.g. keeping the cows in).
As a teen a mowed the lawn of guy and he was concerned because he had a really loud burglar alarm. Some criminal was suing a home owner because the criminal claimed the alarm caused hearing damage.
The Former Banker at February 14, 2011 1:45 PM
Take the lesson: those of you who have a chance of encountering a home invader need to read your state laws. Do not believe me, your best friend or anyone else what the law says. Look it up yourself. When you pull a trigger, for instance, you'd better be right, or the State will jail you.
Radwaste at February 14, 2011 2:16 PM
Why not just kill them and dump them on the ring road. Cops never find out who leaves those bodies.
ken at February 14, 2011 6:54 PM
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