Part Two
Chain link fencing
Two important factors in selecting chain link are the mesh size and the gauge of the wire.The mesh size is the minimum clear distance between the wires forming the parallel sides of the mesh. The smaller the mesh size the more difficult the fence is to climb or cut and the heavier the gauge of the wire the more difficult to cut.See security levels guide for varying gauges and mesh sizes.
Wire wall
Recent technological innovations mean that one is no longer limited to brick walls or chain link fencing. One fencing option that is now available is wire wall.This was originally specifically developed for maximum security prisons but is now also used for high-end residential properties. Wire wall is a welded wire mesh and the unique welded mesh design and construction features narrow openings that are highly resistant to climbing or cutting.
Attempting to cut through wire wall takes many minutes and if cut it will not unravel or lose its stability.The narrow openings prevent any would-be climber from getting a handhold or toehold.Wire wall has no blind spots, providing a clear line of sight at any angle so that it is easily seen-through.
Electric fencing
Another option that has begun to appear in the Caribbean is the use of electric fences. These are certainly a strong deterrent to unauthorised entry.There is, however, a definite liability issue for accidental death or injury arising from these fences.Just imagine the homeowner's predicament if an old lady, tiredly walking home, leans against the fence to rest for a few moments, or a little child playing near the fence touches the fence while retrieving a ball.
If a homeowner chooses this security option, we recommend that it be used as a topping for a wall.That wall should be at least seven feet high and then the electric fence placed on top so that there can be no accidental touching of the fence.Warning notices should be visibly posted at multiple locations along the fence. Even with those precautions one still has to take into account workmen who may place ladder nearby.
Razor spikes
A very recent entry on the perimeter protection market is the use of razor spikes. These consist of a continuous double row of razor sharp spikes. The outer spikes are barbed and the narrow inner spikes have high penetrating power. Razor spikes are a wall topping to deter anyone attempting to climb over a wall. They are a formidable barrier but unlike razor wire they do not have that prison-like appearance and indeed have an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
As a result of their galvanise coating, they have a long life and are very easy to install as they simply have to be bolted into the top of the wall. In addition, they can also be painted to match the colour of the wall.They also have the advantage that they can also be used as a topping for a wire wall or a gate. As is normal with many products, there are cheap imitations made with a lighter grade of metal that can easily be bent, defeating the purpose and greatly reducing the security effect.
In addition, the imitations tend to be painted but not galvanised and so rust easily.So at the end of the day, what is the best choice for someone looking for perimeter protection for their home or business? As always, the answer is that it depends. In this case, it would depend on the physical characteristics of the property, your relationship with your neighbours and the amount of money available for the perimeter protection.
As a general rule, however, a good choice is a wall at the back topped with razor spikes, if the back of the property is an area not seen by others, and fencing at the front and sides to provide visibility for the neighbours.
Training courses that deal with physical security, risks assessments, security systems, security supervision as well as law enforcement and public safety areas topics like fire safety, first aid and first responder training are available to organisations, groups of people and individuals at the Caribbean Institute for Security and Public Safety. Contact us at 223-6999, info@caribbeansecurityinstitute.com or www.caribbeansecurityinstitute.com
Security level guide
A. Extremely high security 3/8" mesh 11 gauge
B. Very high security 1" mesh 9 gauge
C. High security 1" mesh 11 gauge
D. Greater security 2" mesh 6 gauge
E. Normal industrial security 2" mesh 9 gauge
These five levels are all above the type of chain link that is most often used in the Caribbean around homes and residential properties.