Why 358 Prison Mesh is a Top Choice for UK Security Perimeters: Your Questions Answered

When it comes to securing high-risk areas in the UK, 358 Prison Mesh is a widely trusted fencing solution. Known for its anti-climb and anti-cut properties, this fencing system is often used for prisons, military bases, and other high-security environments. But what makes 358 Prison Mesh the right choice for your security perimeter? We’ll address the key questions surrounding this type of fencing to help you decide if it’s the right solution for your security needs.

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What is 358 Prison Mesh?

Before we dive into why it’s such a great option, you might be wondering, What exactly is 358 Prison Mesh?
Also known as “prison mesh” or “anti-climb mesh,” 358 Prison Mesh gets its name from its unique wire spacing. The numbers 358 refer to its dimensions: the mesh openings are 3 inches by 0.5 inches, with 8-gauge wire. This design makes it virtually impossible to climb or cut through, which is why it’s commonly used for high-security fencing.

Why is 358 Prison Mesh a Good Choice for UK Security Perimeters?

Q1: How secure is 358 Prison Mesh?
A: If security is your top priority, 358 Mesh is unbeatable. Its design prevents climbing due to the narrow gaps in the mesh, and its thick 8-gauge wire is incredibly difficult to cut with traditional hand tools. This makes it ideal for securing high-risk areas like prisons, data centres, and government facilities. Even for less extreme applications—such as schools or industrial sites—358 Mesh provides a level of security that gives great peace of mind.

Q2: Can 358 Prison Mesh be cut or tampered with?
A: One of the standout features of 358 Mesh is its resistance to tampering. The small apertures make it extremely difficult to use bolt cutters or other cutting tools, while the strong steel construction adds another layer of protection. This is particularly important for sites that house sensitive materials or equipment, such as utilities, warehouses, and transport hubs.

Q3: Will 358 Prison Mesh block surveillance cameras or lines of sight?
A: A question that often comes up is whether this dense mesh design obstructs visibility. Despite its robust construction, 358 Mesh has a clear view through the panels, making it ideal for areas requiring constant surveillance. Its structure works seamlessly with CCTV systems, ensuring that monitoring efforts are not compromised.

Q4: How durable is 358 Prison Mesh, and can it withstand harsh weather?
A: In the UK, weather conditions can be unpredictable, and any security fence you install needs to stand up to the elements. 358 Prison Mesh is made from galvanised steel or finished with a powder coating to protect against rust and corrosion. This makes it suitable for long-term use with minimal maintenance, even in areas exposed to frequent rain, wind, or coastal salt.

Q5: Does 358 Mesh meet UK security standards?
A: Yes, 358 Prison Mesh complies with the UK’s security guidelines for high-risk environments. It’s often used in prisons and secure institutions, which require strict adherence to national security specifications. This compliance makes it a trustworthy option for any project that needs to meet the highest safety and security standards.

Who Should Consider Using 358 Prison Mesh?

Prisons and Detention Centres: The name says it all—358 Prison Mesh is a go-to solution for correctional facilities, where high-security is absolutely critical.

Utility Providers and Data Centres: Power plants, water facilities, and data centres benefit from 358 Mesh due to its anti-cut and anti-climb properties, making it harder for potential intruders to access sensitive areas.

Airports and Transport Hubs: Protecting passengers, cargo, and restricted areas is made easier with 358 Mesh, which prevents unauthorised access without obstructing views for monitoring systems.

Commercial and Industrial Sites: Factories and warehouses storing high-value goods or hazardous materials can also make use of 358 Mesh for enhanced perimeter security.

Schools and Universities: Even though it’s primarily used for high-security locations, many educational institutions opt for 358 Prison Mesh for its ability to secure the perimeter while maintaining visibility and safety.

How Does 358 Prison Mesh Compare to Other Fencing Types?

Is 358 Prison Mesh better than other security fences?
When compared to other fencing solutions, 358 Mesh offers several advantages for high-security applications. For example:

• Chain Link Fencing: While chain link is a popular option for basic perimeter fencing, it lacks the anti-climb and anti-cut features of 358 Mesh. Chain link can be easily cut or scaled, making it less suitable for high-security areas.
• Palisade Fencing: Palisade fencing is another strong contender for security, but it’s bulkier and less transparent than 358 Mesh. Additionally, palisade can sometimes appear too intimidating for environments like schools or parks, where a less aggressive look is desired.
• Profile V Mesh: Profile V Mesh offers good security, but it is not as tamper-resistant or high-security as 358 Prison Mesh. If you need a higher level of protection, 358 is the better choice.

Are There Any Drawbacks to 358 Prison Mesh?

While 358 Prison Mesh is an excellent choice for high-security needs, it does have some limitations:

• Higher Initial Cost: Due to its specialised design and superior security features, 358 Mesh can be more expensive to install compared to simpler fencing options like chain link. However, its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements often justify the initial investment.
• Limited Aesthetic Appeal: The focus of 358 Prison Mesh is on security, so it may not offer the aesthetic appeal of more decorative fencing. That said, it can be powder-coated in a range of colours to better blend with the surrounding environment.
• Installation Complexity: Due to the need for precise installation to maintain security integrity, 358 Mesh requires professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.

Is 358 Prison Mesh the Right Choice for Your UK Security Perimeter?

If your primary goal is maximum security with long-term durability, 358 Prison Mesh is a top-tier solution. Its anti-climb, anti-cut, and tamper-resistant features make it an excellent choice for high-risk locations, while its durability ensures you won’t need to worry about frequent maintenance or replacements.

Whether you’re protecting a prison, a commercial site, or a school, 358 Mesh provides the level of security you need without compromising visibility or CCTV surveillance capabilities. While it might come with a higher initial cost, its longevity and effectiveness make it a solid investment for any UK security perimeter.

Need More Information? We’re Here to Help!

Still have questions about 358 Prison Mesh or want to learn more about securing your UK property? Get in touch with us today, and we’ll provide the expert advice you need to make the best decision for your perimeter security.

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Safe Perimeter Security with 358 Mesh Fencing and Roller Barrier

Often simply called anti climb mesh, security mesh or even prison mesh, 358 mesh fencing is synonymous with robust perimeter security. In this post we clarify exactly what 358 mesh fencing is and demonstrate how we use it in conjunction with our Roller Barrier anti climb system to cost-effectively enhance existing security fencing.

What is 358 Mesh?

358 Mesh is a welded wire mesh made from high grade steel. This form of mesh fencing is widely used in high security applications and environments such as prisons and military establishments. The robust steel wire and tough welded joints make the security fencing extremely difficult to penetrate, even with bolt cutters and wire cutters. And the small mesh dimensions are the key feature that makes this mesh impossible to climb.

358 mesh fencing panels are generally galvanised for durability and can be powder coated after galvanisation for further protection.

Why is it Called 358 Mesh?

The name ‘358 mesh’ describes the dimensions of the mesh. Each aperture (measured between the bar centres) is 3 inches long (75mm), 0.5 inches high (12.5mm) and made from 8 gauge steel wire, which is approximately 4 mm thick. Anti climb 356 mesh, with thicker steel wire, and mesh fencing, using thinner steel wire, are also used in some applications.

The image above shows how the dimensions of the 358 mesh are too small to gain a finger or toe hold. The image also shows the robustly welded joints and the galvanised finish that ensures a reliable long life.

How High Should a Security Fence Be?

Establishing and maintaining the highest level of security is essential for most professional establishments, especially schools, sports facilities, government properties and secure premises such as prisons and psychiatric hospitals. Perimeter security fencing around properties such as these tends to be at least 2 metres high and often extends to 3 metres or higher, with 3 metres being a popular choice for general applications. Security fencing in high risk environments such as prisons is typically in excess of 5 metres high. 

For private properties in the UK the maximum height allowed for fencing in back gardens and between neighbouring properties is 2 metres. And in front gardens, or where fencing is next to a highway, the maximum height is just 1 metre. For anything higher than this planning permission is generally required. 358 Security mesh fencing isn`t normally used in domestic settings.

When considering the height of security fencing its essential to check with the relevant local authority for their rules and regulations. And if the fencing affects neighbouring properties it`s always a good idea to have a chat with them before making any changes.

How to Make an Existing Fence More Secure and Safe

Increasing the height of existing fencing is one of the primary ways to make it more secure. If the existing fencing consists of standard security fence panels, or maybe chain link fencing, then preventing handholds by overlaying the top 1 metre with 358 mesh fence panels provides a highly effective security enhancement while installing Roller Barrier along the fence-top safely increases the height.

Importantly, both 358 mesh anti climb security fencing and Roller Barrier are totally non-aggressive, harmless anti-climb solutions. Unlike razor wire and some sharp, spiked anti-climb solutions, people coming into contact with 358 security mesh or attempting to climb over Roller Barrier cannot harm themselves on these products, which fulfils the property owner’s ‘duty of care’ obligations.

Enhancing Existing Security Fencing

While 358 anti climb security fencing is highly effective it`s also expensive. Many establishments simply don’t have the budgets to afford expensive anti climb 358 mesh fencing everywhere. Most will typically use lower cost chain-link fencing or standard security fencing, but this can result in areas of vulnerability where anti climb protection is inadequate yet essential.

As noted, existing perimeter security can be significantly enhanced by using a combination of 358 mesh panels in conjunction with our Roller Barrier anti climb system. Rather than replacing the existing chain link or security fencing, 358 mesh panels are mounted on top of the existing fencing, covering just the uppermost metre of the existing fence. Even if climbers are able to reach this protected section they can’t get a firm toe or finger hold on the 358 mesh fence and importantly, can’t harm themselves if they try.

And the rigid 358 mesh anti climb fencing panels provide a robust foundation that supports the mounting of Roller Barrier above, safely increasing the height of the boundary fence. Where additional height is required a double row of Roller Barrier can be readily installed.

The image above demonstrates how 358 mesh security fencing panels have been installed along the uppermost section of these gates with Roller Barrier along the top to increase the height and safely deter and prevent unwanted intruders.

The image above shows how just 1 metre of 358 mesh anti climb fencing in conjunction with a double-row Roller Barrier installation has made this school`s fencing impossible to climb. This security enhancement is successfully preventing youngsters from gaining access to pipework which they were previously using as a climbing frame, putting themselves at risk of injury and possibly damaging vital school systems.

The image above shows another school installation where the 358 mesh fence panels are overlaying the top section of an existing security fence with Roller Barrier along the top. As can be seen, the Roller Barrier support brackets are firmly attached to the rigid security fencing and the security enhancement is now preventing youngsters from climbing the fence to gain access to the flat building rooftop where they were putting themselves at risk of injury. 

If you have any questions about perimeter security or if you have any special requirements remember that we are here to help. Give us a call on and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 24th March

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