When faced with the challenge of unwanted intruders people often immediately think about anti climb spikes. But are anti climb spikes effective and are they enough to keep unwanted intruders out?
The History of Anti Climb Spikes
The use of anti climb spikes, to deter and prevent unwanted intruders, goes way back to ancient fortifications. Spiked barriers were commonly employed on city walls and castles to prevent enemies from climbing over.
During the industrial revolution, new factories and warehouses needed to bolster their security to defend against burglars. A key part of these defences were aggressive, spiked barriers. And many of us who are old enough will recall how many properties used broken glass, set in concrete along the top of walls, to deter intruders and animals.
Today, anti climb spikes continue to be used to bolster defences around some properties. Military establishments and prisons are still using highly aggressive, sharp, spiked anti climb defences to deter intruders.
Do Anti Climb Spikes Work?
These days, anti climb spikes vary from low level, harmless plastic spike strips through to the extremely sharp and highly aggressive spiked defences commonly used around secure establishments like military bases. Some domestic users install the plastic spike strips specifically to deter cats and other animals from coming into their gardens, where they are reported to be very effective.
When it comes to defending properties against criminals, the best people to ask are the criminals themselves. Studies, stories and reports from convicted burglars indicate that anti climb spikes can be effective.
Firstly, many criminals see anti climb spikes as a deterrent. The presence of anti climb spikes around a property is recognised as an obstacle that can potentially cause injury and can be difficult to negotiate.
Another important point made by many burglars is that they tend to be opportunistic. They are therefore likely to ignore properties with robust security and look for easier targets. They would only attempt to overcome anti climb spikes if they had the tools to do so and there was something valuable in the property.
Criminals have also pointed out that the visual presence of anti climb spikes is generally recognised as a sign that the property owner takes security very seriously. If there are anti climb spikes then there is a high likelihood the property will have additional defences.
The bottom line is that while some anti climb spikes can be difficult to overcome and potentially harmful, their primary defensive property in deterring criminal intruders.
Are Anti Climb Spikes the Right Solution?
In many situations, the need to deter climbers is not really about preventing burglars from entering a property. Children, putting themselves at risk and damaging properties by climbing onto rooftops is a good example. And there are many pieces of equipment and boundaries that need to be protected against climbers without the risk of causing harm or fear.
Psychological treatment hospitals, for example, have a duty of care for their patients who might need to be prevented from climbing fences or onto structures. Installing aggressive looking anti climb spikes in these situations would be totally inappropriate.
Similarly, schools and colleges need to prevent kids from potentially harming themselves and damaging school property by climbing where they are not allowed.
Anywhere that needs to prevent climbers without the possibility of causing harm or fear should consider the installation of Roller Barrier. The Roller Barrier system is now used all around the world to safely prevent people from climbing where they shouldn’t. By preventing damage, caused by intruders, Roller Barrier is saving vast amounts of money in repairs.
Establishing a Comprehensive Security Strategy
As noted, anti climb spikes can be very effective. But they should be considered as just one part of a comprehensive security strategy.
The first thing to consider is exactly who or what is the anti climb , anti intruder defence system intended for? If the aim is to keep cats and other animals out of a garden, then some fence top spiked strips, along with other anti animal defences, would be a sensible option. And if the aim is to prevent children from climbing walls and fences, or climbing onto rooftops, then the non-aggressive Roller Barrier system is likely to be the best choice.
But when thinking about all-round property security a combination of security measures should be considered.
Property Alarm Systems
There are some excellent and very affordable property alarm systems available today. Some of these use very loud alarms along with automated notification to the property owner and local law enforcement. Window and door sensors can send alerts if someone attempts to break into a property.
Systems like this are highly suitable for industrial and commercial properties that might be unoccupied at night time.
Motion Activated Lighting
Motion triggered lighting is another very affordable form of property defence. Lights triggered by movement can be enough to prompt intruders to run away. And this form of lighting is also very useful for negotiating dark driveways and garage entrances at night time.
CCTV Cameras
Another form of technological security device that has become very affordable are CCTV cameras. Strategically located CCTV cameras, that are triggered by motion, are a very strong intruder deterrent. Many of today’s cameras connect directly to a properties wifi connection and will automatically send alerts and securely save recorded video footage.
Landscaping and Pathways
Establishing thorny plants around a property creates a natural barrier that can be very difficult to overcome. Its also a good idea to keep shrubs and trees adequately pruned to minimise hiding spots where intruders might gain access.
Another simple but valuable security measure is to use gravel for paths and driveways. This form of surface makes a noise when walked on, which will deter some intruders.
Anti Climb Paint
A valuable and highly effective anti climb solution, widely recommended by UK police forces, is the use of anti climb paint. This non-setting, slippery paint makes it impossible to get a grip on any surface where its applied. It must not be used below a height of 2 metres, to avoid contaminating the clothing of anyone passing by. But it is easy to apply, lasts for a very long time and is highly effective.
Anti climb paint is widely used by churches and heritage properties that need to protect their rooftops against burglars who steal roofing materials, causing massive damage in the process.
Anti Climb Spikes
As discussed, anti climb spikes can and do work, especially as a deterrent. But this form of defence should be considered alongside other security measures appropriate for the security objectives.
Anti Climb Roller Barrier
If there is the possibility that anti climb spikes might cause harm or fear then a fully non aggressive anti climb solution is needed. Roller Barrier is the answer. And if there is a need to simply prevent people from climbing onto low level equipment such as fan housings or electrical substations, Roller Barrier will do exactly what’s required without any chance of harming anyone.
Warning Signs
It's important to prominently display warning signage when various forms of property security are installed. CCTV camera warning signs along with anti-climb defence warning signs have a powerful deterrent effect and ensure compliance with legislation.