Using Anti-Vandal Paint and Other Methods

Anti-vandal paint is also known as anti-climb, anti-intruder and anti-scale paint. As these names suggest it is intended to prevent intruders from climbing up a surface where it has been applied and gaining access to a property. The paint generally has a gloss appearance and usually comes in dark colours so, for cosmetic reasons, it may not be suitable for all surfaces. Care should be taken to select a product that remains effective in both hot and cold weather conditions. Once applied anti-vandal paint does not dry, leaving a slippery surface which is very difficult to climb. Although it is not usually harmful, it will stain the clothes - and body - of anyone who tries to climb it.

Anti-vandal paint can be used on many surfaces and is often applied to walls and drainpipes - or any other surface or object that an intruder may attempt to climb. The paint is applied with a brush or by hand whilst wearing a protective glove. Once in place it should last for at least a year. However, the lifespan will depend on how often people attempt to climb the surface to which it has been applied.

Anti-Vandal Paint and the Law

Under the Occupier's Liability Act 1984 householders owe a duty of care to anyone on their property, whether they are entitled to be there or not. The duty is to protect people from an injury as a result of a foreseen hazard. If anti-vandal paint has been applied to a wall and an intruder slips and injures himself as a result, this is something that the householder could have predicted. Householders could also be caught up by the Highways Act 1980 if anti-vandal paint is used on a wall or surface which adjoins a public highway. The Highways Act states that care must be taken to avoid "harm or injury" to any person or animal using the highway.

The local crime reduction or crime prevention police officer should be happy to advise householders if they have any doubts about the legality, or efficacy, of any intruder deterrent methods they intend to use.

Discharging the Duty of Care

To discharge the duty of care owed to trespassers, householders must put up a warning sign if they are using anti-vandal paint. The sign or signs should be placed in the area where the paint is being used. Suppliers of anti-vandal paint usually also sell warning signs. In addition the paint should only be applied to surfaces above two metres high so that innocent passers-by do not come into contact with it.

Other Consequences of Anti-Vandal Paint

If anti-vandal paint comes into contact with clothes it is very difficult to remove. This means that, not only is an intruder prevented from breaking in, but that they are much more likely to come to the attention to the police if their hands and clothes are covered with the tell-tale signs of their attempt. Whilst this may give a certain satisfaction when the "victim" is an erstwhile burglar it may be less pleasing if a child, guest or lawful visitor has their clothes ruined by the paint. Householders should also be aware that it can be difficult to carry out repairs to surfaces which have been coated with anti-vandal paint.

Pets, and in particular cats, are also in danger of coming into contact with anti-vandal paint - even if it is only applied to high walls. Whilst it should not be harmful to animals, it could have regrettable consequences for householders when Tiddles comes home after a day on the tiles and settles down on her owner's bed.

Alternative Deterrents

Specially manufactured "non-aggressive" anti-climb systems can be attached to the tops of walls to prevent intruders gaining access in this way. For example, a "spinning" barrier made up of individual rotating cups attached to the top of a high wall prevents an intruder from getting a hand-hold on the wall and climbing over. Trellis fencing attached to the top of a high wall and the use of prickly bushes are both cost-effective and attractive ways of keeping intruders out.