How Criminals Overcome Electric Fences and How to Prevent It

Ways to Boost Security

South African homes and businesses must stay vigilant against the techniques criminals use to circumvent electric fences. While these fences can act as a deterrent, they are not infallible, especially if they are poorly installed or maintained.

Criminals often use methods such as the “V stick,” conduit pipes, and multiple cutting points to breach these defenses. To enhance security, it’s crucial to ensure proper installation, conduct regular inspections, and integrate additional measures like smart cameras and alarms.

South African homeowners and businesses need to be aware of how criminals bypass electric fences.

Electric Fence Not Foolproof

Though electric fences can deter burglars, they are not foolproof and are particularly vulnerable if not properly installed or maintained.

Two major security firms, Fidelity and Bull Security, shared with MyBroadband the methods criminals use to bypass electric fences.

Bull Security operations manager French Jooste explained that the “V stick” is a popular tactic.

“Criminals insert this stick beneath the electric wires, lifting them away from the wall to create a small gap to squeeze through,” Jooste said.

“They sometimes bend the fence downward away from the wall.”

Other common tactics include:

• Using conduit pipes to open a gap and lift the wires without them touching each other.
• Slipping conduit pipes with slits over the wires to isolate them.
• Climbing over at wall corners or using steps on the wall.
• Cutting the fence at multiple points simultaneously.
• Isolating parts of the fence with high-tension cables before cutting the wires between them.

A major reason these techniques succeed is due to improper fence installation or unnoticed damage.

Registered Installer

The initial installation should be performed by a registered installer who can issue a certificate of compliance (CoC).

The newly established National Electric Fence Association (NEFA) is creating a central database for CoCs on electric fence installations, as instructed by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL).

This database will help DEL-appointed inspectors ensure compliance with electric fence standards and allow customers to find registered installers authorized to issue CoCs.

Bartmann recommended hiring a consultant to draft a technical specification for the fence, which can be sent to multiple registered installers in your area.

Regularly Check The Fence

Registered installers should also be employed to regularly check the fence for damage to its insulation, earth loops, and connections.

Important installation points include:

• Resistance: Use low-resistance wiring like aluminum, targeting less than 500 ohms per energizer.
• Height: Ensure the fence stretches higher than 80cm where walls could allow criminals to get a foothold.
• Zone numbers: Keep fence length per energizer low to help security companies find breach points faster.
• Lifespans: Premium fencing can last up to 10 years, while cheaper options may only last about two years.
• Wall characteristics: Ensure boundary walls are over 2 meters high and made from a double row of bricks.

In addition to quality installation, integrating extra security solutions can improve overall protection.

Bartmann advised adding spikes to the top of the wall to prevent criminals from gaining a foothold.

Jooste recommended connecting the fence to an alarm system monitored by your security company to ensure a quick response if the fence is cut, damaged, or tampered with.

Furthermore, adding smart cameras or beams that connect to a mobile app can help detect breaches and alert property owners or security personnel swiftly.

“This acts as a digital perimeter fence. The camera identifies normal behavior and can alert security companies, residents, or business owners to any activity that crosses a specific line,” Bartmann explained.

NB. This post first appeared in BizNews and has been rewritten here