CASE STUDY
INSTALLATION OF ANTI-CLIMB MEASURES ON EXISTING SECURITY FENCING - PRIMARY SCHOOL, LANCASHIRE
Client: Golden Hill (Short Stay) School
Industry/Sector: Education
Location: Lancashire
Site Type: Existing security fencing and gates
Introduction
Golden Hill (Short Stay) School is a Primary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) situated in Lancashire. The school is commissioned by Lancashire Education Authority to provide full time primary education for pupils from Reception to Year 6 (4 to 11 years old) who have been permanently excluded from various regions within Lancashire.
Challenge
The school had experienced a number of incidents where youths from the local area had been gaining access to the school grounds via the perimeter fencing and gates and subsequently destroying school property along with several attempts of arson. There was also a recent incident of a school pupil who managed to exit the premises by climbing the fence, causing a search involving police, parents and staff until they were found some hours later.
​
Objectives
The school wanted preventative measures to stop trespassing and subsequent vandalism. It was also a priority to deter any further incidents of school pupils leaving the premises during school hours, potentially causing injury to themselves and triggering police involvement.
​
Solution
Product Used: DefendaStrip Rise (black)
Why This Product: Suitable for installing on top of existing security fencing, visually obvious deterrent, ability to fit product on both sides of fence, lightweight, maintenance free, Secured by Design accredited
Following a police survey on the premises, they advised the school to install DefendaStrip products as they carry Police Preferred Specification. After some discussion considering which product would be the most appropriate in this situation, it was decided that the Rise would be the best option.
Implementation
Using Band-It Ball-Lok ties to secure the installation, it was possible to fit the Rise on both sides of the fence simultaneously, reducing installation time. This was important as the school needed a solution as soon as possible to allow pupils outside access without the risk of any further incidents. The Rise was fitted on runs of security fencing and several gates (photos below).
​
Results
Comment from Golden Hill School:
“After explaining the urgent situation to yourselves, you very kindly arranged for a very quick installation of the strips on both sides of the fence as requested.
This was done when the weather wasn’t great and the installers worked so hard, non-stop all weekend to ensure it was done. Richard and Alex were superb workers, polite and professional. I also received very good service from Sally so very impressed.”
As this is a recent project, further contact will be made with the school to ensure that they continue to be satisfied with the installation. This case study will be updated in due course.
Conclusion
One of three anti-climb products that we produce, the Rise is the mid-level option in our range which is the only anti-climb defensive cone system to meet the Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification for security products. It was especially suitable for a school installation onto an existing security fence perimeter and gates as it fitted both sides, and the 180-degree profile of the defensive spikes was obvious above the fence and gate line, presenting a good level of visual deterrence.
