Are Fence Spikes Legal? - Keytek Locksmiths

There are many ways to add extra security measures to your garden, and fence spikes are a great option to keep your garden secure. However, there are a many laws and guidelines to follow when installing them. If you don’t install fence spikes correctly, then you could run into some issues and possible legal consequences.

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Fence spikes are fitted on the top of a wooden wall or fence to discourage animals or people from climbing over the fence. This means that unwanted visitors (animal or people!) will be put off from climbing over the fence or wall due to the spikes.

Yes, you can put up fence spikes as long as you follow the strict legislation. There are a few rules you have to follow if you want to legally put spikes on your fence.

Yes, they are, but only if you adhere to the strict rules set out by UK legislation. If you wish to install fence spikes you will need to ensure you are doing so within the law and you may be required to seek planning permission. If you decide to implement security spikes (this can included barbed wire) to your property boundaries, you will need to clearly state that they are in place by securing a warning sign to the wall.

• Any fence, gate, or wall over 2m in height needs to be accepted. If your new fence of wall borders a public highway you may need planning permission for anything over 1m.
• If your property is a listed building or borders a listed property you will need to seek planning permission before any work is carried out.
• You wouldn’t normally need planning permission to grow a thorny plant along the top of your fence unless there are restrictions, so it is best to check with your local council before doing so. The same rule applies for a hedge.
• Before carrying out any work along the borders of your property it is worth seeking advice from the local planning authority, you don’t want to spend loads of money upgrading your boundaries only to be told they’re illegal and all of your hard work is wasted.

What Are Anti-Climb Spikes?

Anti-climb spikes are used to protect the safety of houses and other buildings. As stated in their name, these are spikes that are not able to be climbed, making it a great physical barrier for house security.

Do Anti-Climb Spikes Work?

Yes, anti-climb spikes are very effective! As they are manufactured out of robust galvanised steel, these wall spikes are near enough impossible to climb over, due to their Razor Point anti-climb spikes. This means that they act as a visual and physical deterrent against burglars.

Are Anti-Climb Spikes Legal UK?

As long as there is a clear sign on the fence stating a caution warning for climbing the fence spikes such as “Danger: Do Not Climb. Risk of Injury”, then anti-climb spikes are allowed.

As mentioned above, there are also laws around what you can and cannot do to your fence, wall or gates in order to protect the safety of others. Brush up on the relevant laws before to ensure your property is not a cause for concern.

Highways Act : Section (Injuries Toppings)

In short, this section entails barbed wire. If your fence adjoins a highway, then the local authority has the right to request the removal of any injury’s toppings. This is because they may cause injury to persons or animals legally using the highway.

Occupiers’ Liability Act

There are 2 UK laws that will affect you putting up fence spikes and whether they will be legal, the Occupiers Liability Act . This was an amendment the existing Act as to the liability of occupiers of premises for injury suffered by visitors. The act refers specifically to the liability of occupiers in relation to visitors other than guests, burglars for example.

Basically, what it means is that if you put spikes on your fence, you need adequate signage to warn people that the fence spikes are there.

When using anti-vandal paint, exercise caution, as slipping on the anti-climb can result in liability. The government’s legislation provides more information on safeguarding your home.

Can You put Spikes on Top of Your Fence?

There are several types of fence spikes on the market for you to buy, each have their own benefits. It’s worth having a think about what your main use for the spikes are. Are you looking to create a barrier for animals? Stop burglars? Or just as a visual deterrent? We’ve gone through the most popular types of fence spikes, so you can see which type would be best for your needs.

Plastic Fence Spikes

Plastic fence spikes come in a range of different materials and designs. Plastic fence spikes are popular, due to their low cost and easy installation, whilst providing an extremely effective cat deterrent.

Cat Fence Spikes

Can you put spikes on your fence to stop cats?

Cat fence spikes, also known as “anti-cat spikes,” are one of several deterrents that are regularly used. Anti-cat spikes are perfectly legal as long as they follow specific regulations and, therefore, can be the perfect cat fence barrier to stop neighbouring cats from entering your garden!

Neighbours Cat Pooping in My Garden – UK Law

There are no laws that specifically address cat faeces on property. However, nuisance laws can help when a complaint or dispute occurs. Cat owners also have a common-law obligation to take reasonable precautions to prevent their cats from causing property damage. Consider adding fence spikes to deter cats from trying to enter your garden, just ensure that they follow the laws for this type of security deterrent.

Is It Legal to Put Plastic Spikes on Your Fence?

As long as they comply with specific restrictions and the correct signage is used, then plastic fence spikes are completely legal. Height boundary restrictions also need to be complied with, meaning that they aren’t to be installed below a height of 2m.

Stegastrip

Stegastrips are anti-climb spike systems that use an innovative design to make these harmless plastic spikes appear to be made of wrought iron, giving them an aggressive appearance, and their visual deterrent nature is enough to deter intruders and discourage birds or cats from attempting to sit or climb on the fence.

Prikka

Prikka strips are predominantly used to stop intruders, specifically animals, rather than humans. The Prikka strips are designed to give maximum discomfort but minimum harm. They are an excellent choice if you have birds or animals that are continually perching on your fence because they are cheap and easy to install.

Rotating Fence Spikes

Rotating fence spikes offer another level of protection, as not only are they uncomfortable to climb over, it’s actually impossible too. Rotating fence spikes are more commonly used in retail settings such as supermarket perimeters, but there is nothing stopping you from installing them in your home, as long as you have the correct signage.

Bird Spikes

Bird spikes, also known as anti-roosting spikes or pigeon spikes, are long, needle-like rods used to control birds from roosting on commercial buildings or windowsills. These measures are effective in preventing birds from nesting or defecating on property and can also deter small wildlife like squirrels from climbing on or over the structure.

Are Bird Spikes Effective?

Bird spikes are considered to be one of the best long-term methods of bird-proofing buildings. Acting as a physical and visual barrier due to the pins of the spikes, birds cannot gain access to an edge or windowsill. They are also easy to install, effortless to maintain, and last long-term, making them a very effective deterrent.

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Security Fence Spikes

Protecting assets, infrastructure, and facilities from unauthorised access is an increasing concern across commercial, industrial, and government sectors.

Perimeter security is the first line of defence, and fence toppings such as spikes, barbed wire, razor tape, and our Razorback® Spiked Fence Rail can add a critical layer of deterrence. Razorback is part of the PROMAX™ 358 anti-climb system, providing a fully integrated rail with triangular spikes designed for maximum anti-climb performance in high-security environments.

But while there are more options available than ever before, it’s important to understand the legislation covering security fencing.

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In general terms, most security fencing requires a licensed installer, and fences over 2 metres will require council or authority approval. Requirements vary across states, territories, and local councils, so it’s vital to check compliance before installation.

Here are answers to common questions around fence spikes and toppings for commercial and industrial security projects.

How Can I Make My Fence More Secure?

For higher-risk sites, upgrading to engineered fencing systems with anti-climb, anti-ram, and cut-resistant properties is the most effective approach.

Palisade fencing and Promax 358 high security mesh are two of our most sought after products. We also supply a wide range of security fence toppings including razor wire, barbed wire, Bulldog spikes, and our new Razorback® Spiked Fence Rail.

The Razorback rail is a major step forward in topping security. Unlike traditional bolt-on toppings, it integrates 25 mm triangular spikes directly into the steel rail. This means faster installation, fewer components, and a stronger long-term deterrent when paired with our Promax™ system. For large-scale projects, the new 3.0 m wide Promax™ panels further increase coverage with fewer joins and reduced installation time.

Can You Put Spikes On Your Fence?

Yes, in many cases spikes can be installed, but it depends on local regulations. Fences generally need to be at least 2 metres high, and under the Security Industry Act your installer will require a licence to install spikes or other deterrents.

Our Bulldog spikes are 50 mm high, made from heavy-duty galvanised steel, and suitable for a wide range of security applications.

For facilities requiring an integrated topping system, the Razorback® Spiked Fence Rail provides a compliant, engineered alternative.

What Can I Put On My Fence To Stop Burglars?

Options include barbed wire, flat-loop razor wire, concertina razor wire, Bulldog spikes, and Razorback® rails.

• Barbed wire is available in 1.57 or 2.5 mm thicknesses.

• Razor wire is offered in short and long barb lengths.

• Bulldog spikes provide a simple bolt-on deterrent.

• Razorback® rails are installed as part of the anti-climb PROMAX™ 358 system for maximum integration and performance.

Each option offers different levels of deterrence depending on the risk profile and project requirements.

Do Anti Climb/Anti Burglar Fence Spikes Work?

A parliamentary report confirms that properly designed fencing can reduce incidents dramatically:

• Arson and break-ins by up to 50%

• Vandalism by 71%

• Trespass by 88% (in educational institutions)

For industrial and commercial facilities, these reductions translate into fewer disruptions, lower repair costs, and greater peace of mind.

Is it legal to use fence spikes, razor wire or barbed wire?

Legislation varies across states and councils, but in most cases security toppings are only permitted on fences over 2 metres in height, and installation must be carried out by a licensed contractor under the Security Industry Act . Local councils or site authorities may also require specific approvals before work can begin.

In rural and industrial applications, barbed wire is widely accepted and often used to control stock movements without special permission. In urban or commercial areas, however, restrictions are tighter, barbed wire, razor wire, and fence spikes typically require council approval and may be limited to certain fence types or frontage locations.

Compliance should always be confirmed at the project planning stage to avoid costly modifications later.

How Do You Burglar Proof A Chainwire Fence?

Chainwire can be upgraded with anti-climb toppings such as Bulldog spikes or razor wire. Tapered blade extensions can be fitted to support multiple rows of barbed wire or even electrified wires, depending on site requirements.

For sites requiring a higher level of perimeter security than chainwire can provide, PROMAX™ 358 with Razorback® Spiked Fence Rail or palisade fencing with barbed/razor wire toppings deliver the next level of anti-climb performance.

Talk to the experts about Security Fence Spikes

All our security toppings can also be fitted to masonry walls and other compatible structures.

Talk to the experts at Profence about the right solution for your next project.

Are you interested in learning more about Chain Link Fence? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!