Anti-climb fencing stands out as a proactive solution to help deter unauthorised access, vandalism, and theft from business premises across the UK. In light of recent findings from the 2023 Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS), which reported that 26% of all business premises in England and Wales experienced some form of crime over a 12-month period, implementing effective perimeter security measures has become increasingly crucial for businesses and industry alike.
Taking the above into account, we’ve put together a quick guide to anti climb fencing and how you can choose the most suitable option for what you need to protect.
Understanding Anti-Climb Fencing
Anti-climb fencing is specifically engineered to prevent intrusions by eliminating footholds and handholds, making it exceptionally difficult to scale. Tightly spaced mesh apertures or vertical bars are key to this and will help prevent individuals from gaining a grip or foothold whilst attempting to scale the fence.
Whilst anti-climb properties are the scope of this article, you should always consider various other factors that affect the security performance of your chosen fence. For example, utilisation of durable materials such as steel will enhance resistance to cutting and tampering, whilst the overall design of fence can further enhance its security.
Assessing Your Security Requirements
The CVS data highlighted that theft affected 14% of businesses with burglary (including attempts) affecting 8%, vandalism affecting another 8% and assaults or threats against employees or customers affecting a further 7%. Given these statistics, businesses should regularly evaluate their specific security requirements by considering factors such as location, industry, and the overall threat to their operations.
Whilst anti climb fencing cannot deter all types of crime (for example retail theft during opening hours), it can go a long way in helping to deter other types of crime such as burglary, vandalism and unauthorised access to protected sites.
Choosing The Right Anti Climb Fence
When it comes to which anti climb fence to choose, you have two main options to consider. Suitable products widely available across the UK include both welded mesh and steel palisade fencing, each of which can offer its own protections against climbing and scaling.
Welded Mesh Panel Fencing
This option is arguable one of the most effective anti-climb fences available on the market today. Constructed using horizontal and vertical wires that are tightly welded together, this product is extremely difficult to climb.
Be sure to check the size of the apertures when choosing your fence, as some may have larger openings than others, potentially providing a foothold or fingerhold for would-be intruders. Fortunately, most of Lochrin Bain’s welded mesh systems are adept at offering protection against climbing and we currently offer the following product as part of our standard range:
- Lochrin 358™ – Featuring even smaller mesh apertures making climbing almost impossible.
In addition to the above product, we also offer the Lochrin 358™ SL1 which is an LPS1175 A1 (SR1) rated mesh fencing system and the Lochrin UltraGUARD™ SL2 which we developed to offer a high-security single skin system based on our traditional 358 panel. Both of these options are more suited to high-risk sites requiring security rated products.
Steel Palisade Fencing
Another option well suited to deter climbing is steel palisade fencing. Featuring horizontal rails and vertical steel pales with pointed tops, this design provides a formidable barrier that’s ideal for industrial sites and utilities alike. The pointed tops on this type of fence makes it incredibly difficult to scale without injury to the trespasser, and in recent years we have seen specifiers choose our curved top pale to increase the products anti-scale design.
Some of our more popular palisade options include the Lochrin Classic™, Lochrin Combi™ and Lochrin Palisade™, but we also offer a full range of security fencing products should these be needed.
Considering Aesthetics
While security is paramount, the visual impact of fencing should be considered to help match the business’s image and comply with any local planning restrictions regarding the style and colour of the chosen fence. For example, options such as powder-coated finishes can enhance appearance and provide additional protection against the elements.
We offer powder coating across most of our product range and can cater to most RAL colours. Some of the more popular choices include shades of green, black and grey.
Conclusion
In response to the significant levels of crime reported in the 2023 CVS, businesses must take proactive steps to safeguard their premises. Implementing anti-climb fencing is an effective measure to deter unauthorised access and protect assets against theft and vandalism.
By carefully assessing security needs, selecting appropriate fence, and considering aesthetics and compliance, businesses can enhance their security posture and contribute to a safer environment.
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