Safety Signs News

Safety signs 'there for a reason', police say

30th September 2010 | Health and Safety Signs

Posted by Jason Nicholls.

A farmer in Kendal has urged walkers to keep off his property following a spate of incidents of vandalism.

According to the Westmorland Gazette, dog walkers are tearing down safety signs and fencing on land owned by Tony Westbury, who has spent £2,500 on safety equipment to protect people from livestock.

People are ignoring the precautions and trespassing on the Kendal Parks Farm, allowing their dogs to foul a footpath.

Mr Westbury told the newspaper: "If somebody gets hurt on my land then I'm duty bound to do something about it.

"Things could get out of hand if we're not careful."

The farmer is now working with the police to deter the vandals. Measures taken include smearing the safety signs with a special liquid that will help trace people who come into contact with them.

Terry Belshaw, a crime prevention officer with Cumbria police, told the newspaper it was possible people were not even aware they were committing a criminal offence by trespassing or doing damage.

"Pulling a fence up is actually criminal damage.

"As far as signage goes it's up for a reason and that's to keep people safe."

Earlier this month a farm in Torbay improved its safety signs after two children visiting it were affected by the E. Coli bug. ADNFCR-2754-ID-800090924-ADNFCR