A spate of thefts in several towns and villages in Kent and Surrey over the past few months led to many householders taking action to protect their property.
Some have been warned by police that using wire mesh to reinforce shed windows was ”dangerous’’ and could lead to criminals claiming compensation if they ”hurt themselves’’.
Thieves target sheds to steal lawnmowers, power drills, bicycles and a variety of DIY tools.
Thomas Cooper, of Tatsfield, Surrey, used wire mesh to protect three of his garden sheds after two break-ins over the past four years. He decided to take action after reports of a rise in garden raids in the area.
Mr Cooper said: “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.
”It is ridiculous that the law protects them even though they are breaking it.”
Yes. Yes, it is ridiculous. These people withstood the Blitz. They faced down Hitler. Now they can’t even defend their own garden sheds.
This criminal-coddling philosophy is nothing new in British law enforcement. Here’s something from my old blog, back in December ’04, in reply to a column in The Scotsman about how not to needlessly inconvenience an intruder in your home:
Things to Do in London When You’re Defenceless
I live in the United States of America, where if somebody breaks into your home and threatens you and your loved ones, you’re allowed to use any amount of force necessary to defend yourself, up to and including nuclear weaponry. In England, it’s different. As if it’s not bad enough just to have to live there, the victim of a burglary can’t do a thing to stand up for himself. If some “bloke” breaks into your “flat” and you give him so much as a “dry slap,” you get life in “gaol” and he’s allowed to stop by once a week to make you his “luv.”
But there’s still hope for you poor sunless bastards. Here’s some advice for the burgled, from a Dr. Ian Stephen (not to be confused with Dr. Stephen Ian, if such a person exists, which is likely because they all have names like that):
“In most cases the best form of defence [This is how they spell it. — ed.] is always avoidance. If this isn’t possible, act passively, be careful what you say or do, and give up valuables without a struggle. This allows the victim to take charge of the situation, without the intruder’s awareness, through subtle and non-confrontational means.”
Makes sense to me. Here’s some other good advice to remember, “mates,” the next time you want to take control of a housejacking:
- Hit the intruder’s fists, knees, elbows, and feet with your face, ribcage, and genitals. This will subtly wear him down and require him to stop for a glass of water.
- On a related note, robbery is thirsty work, and a parched burglar is an angry burglar. If all you’ve got is tap water, you’re just asking for trouble. Try to keep a wide selection of beverages on hand at all times, just in case. This will subtly lull your new friend into a false sense of comfort and good cheer, giving you the chance to crawl out of the room for a change of underwear before the smell requires him to punish you further.
- Refer to the home-invader as “massuh.” This will impose a subtle feeling of guilt on the misguided victim of society, causing him to pause briefly for self-reflection in the course of upending your laundry room for hidden jewelry or drugs. In another 30-60 years, he will die of natural causes and cease all criminal activity.
- Many wealth-redistributors are atheist or agnostic, as is their right. Try to avoid offending your guest with thoughtless phrases such as “Please, God, help me,” “Oh Christ, I can’t feel my legs,” or “Jesus, Jesus, there’s so much blood.”
- If at all possible, prevent the problem entirely by not living indoors. No home = No possibility of home invasion! Divest yourself of all personal possessions and take up a crimefree outdoor urban lifestyle.
See? It’s “easy-peasy.” So chin up, Clive! Er, well, you know what I mean.