A fence (also known as a receiver, mover, or moving man) is a person who buys stolen goods and resells them. A fence may try to disguise the stolen nature of the items by removing, defacing, or replacing serial numbers.
Across America, fences can paint a welcoming picture of home or block off a privacy wall. They also pit rancher against rancher in the battle over scarce resources and impede the long-distance migration of wildlife, such as a Mongolian gazelle that was tracked for 20 days trying to find a place to cross. Contact Renegade Fences & Farm now!
A fence is a barrier made of posts, boards or wire to keep people or animals from entering or leaving. It can also be used to mark property boundaries. Fences can be built from a variety of materials, including timber, soil, stone, and metal. They can be either temporary or permanent. Some examples of permanent fences are picket fences, board fences, and chain link fences. Fences are typically erected to prevent trespassing, protect livestock from predators and other dangers, or for aesthetic purposes. They can be built to be as tall or as short as desired and can be designed in many different ways, such as a picket fence containing wooden or metal posts, or a stone and brick fence that serves as a gated entrance.
The term fence has been used in a criminal context to describe someone who buys stolen goods and then sells them for a profit. This practice is common and a significant part of criminal enterprises. In the 19th-century novel Oliver Twist, Fagin is a fence who recruits homeless boys as pickpockets. Fences can be male or female and are often associated with organized crime.
While fences make a good living from their illegal business, they can also be subject to legal consequences. The charges and penalties a fence faces depend on the type of theft, where it took place, and how much money they make from the sales. In addition, a fence can be prosecuted for facilitating or encouraging the original theft by providing a market for stolen goods.
Historically, fences have often operated from brothels. This was due to a special Ming law that exempted brothels from being held responsible for their clients’ criminal actions, and the fact that brothels were often located close to farmland where thieves could find livestock. In addition, fencing in a brothel was a way for robbers to hide their merchandise before transporting it to other locations.
Fences have also been known to operate from private land and other public areas, such as large commons with roaming cattle. The enclosure of commons and the 18th- and 19th-century Acts requiring railways to be fenced helped reduce this type of activity.
How to Install a Fence
Installing a fence is an affordable home improvement project that can be done by any homeowner who wants to add privacy, security, or decoration to their property. There are many considerations before starting the project, however. Homeowners should check local building codes, utility lines and other factors that can impact the project. It’s also a good idea to discuss the project with neighbors to make sure they are comfortable with it. It’s important to be sure that the project meets all zoning requirements and does not obstruct or interfere with the use of adjoining properties. Some communities require a permit to build a fence, and there may be height restrictions or other restrictions on the type of material used.
After determining the location for the fence, stake each corner of the fenced area with a wooden stake. Use a tape measure to mark the length of the fence along these corners, making note of any obstructions in the area such as trees or driveways. These obstacles should be marked or removed before continuing.
When digging holes for fence posts, some codes require that the holes be below the frost line (the point where ground freezes and expands during winter) to prevent heaving or pulling up of the fence post. A shovel and post hole digger are typically sufficient for small jobs, but a power auger can be used for larger projects to save time and effort. A power auger must be properly maintained and plugged in to avoid damage.
Once the posts are set, it’s a good idea to install gravel in each hole before installing the fence panels. This helps with drainage during inclement weather and extends the life of the fence. Pea-sized landscaping gravel is usually the most affordable option and effective for this purpose.
The first panel is installed at a corner, and the rest of the fence is installed in two directions from there. It’s a good idea to use a level to ensure that the panels are plumb. It is also helpful to use a nail gun or pneumatic stapler that is rated for pressure-treated lumber to secure the fasteners.
How to Make a Fence
Whether you’re looking to add privacy, security, or aesthetic value to your home, a fence is a great investment. And while hiring a company to build one is an option, installing your own fence can be much more cost-effective and can provide the satisfaction of knowing you built it yourself. Plus, you’ll have more options in terms of materials and styles.
Before starting, do your research. Make sure your local laws allow the style of fence you want and look for any utility lines that might be impacted during construction. It’s also a good idea to consult with your neighbors to ensure they are not bothered by the presence of your new fence.
Once you’ve selected the type of fence that suits your needs, purchase your materials. Most wood fencing is made from pressure-treated pine, which is a more durable material that resists rot and insect damage. Vinyl fences are another popular choice, as they offer the look of wood with less maintenance.
Next, clear the area where your fence will be located. This step is crucial to prevent hitting underground utility lines or obstructing access to your home. Also, some cities have height ordinances that vary by neighborhood, so check with your municipality for the maximum allowed fence height.
Dig post holes to the proper depth. For example, a 6-foot fence requires posts to be set in the ground at least 4 feet deep. For large projects, you can rent a power auger to speed up the process and help save on labor costs.
Once the posts are in place, install the rails. If you’re using panels, be sure the seams are tight and flush to prevent gaps that could let in sunlight or water. If you’re building a custom fence, measure the distance between each post to determine how many panels or pickets you need to complete your project.
Position gate posts, keeping in mind that you’ll need to leave room for the gate latch and hinges. For best results, install gate posts about 3 inches closer together than the fence rails.
Fencing History
Fencing is a sport and a martial art that has roots in ancient civilizations. Evidence of swordsmanship can be found in Egyptian hieroglyphs dating back more than 3,000 years, and the Greeks honed the art by creating a number of different styles for fencing. The sport grew in popularity in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and Domenico Angelo was one of its trailblazers when he taught aristocratic Britons the art at his academy in Soho, London. He laid down the fundamentals of posture and footwork that live on to this day in his book L’Ecole des armes.
The practice of fencing carries with it some dark history. Fencers have been known to facilitate and even encourage theft by providing a ready market for stolen goods and giving thieves the opportunity to quickly turn their loot into cash. The activity can also give rise to conspiracy and other related crimes. As a result, law enforcement agencies work hard to combat fencing. This can involve conducting undercover operations, tracking online sales and monitoring suspicious activity at pawn shops.
In modern times, fencing has become an Olympic event, with men’s and women’s events for foil, epee, and sabre. The competitions have grown over time, with more events and categories added, as well as different weapons being used for each event. In addition, the fencing sport has evolved into a highly technical and precise discipline.
To ensure that all fencers are on equal footing, a scoring system was developed. It is similar to that used in athletic competitions, with four judges determining whether a touch was made. Two side judges stood behind and beside each fencer, while a head referee observed from several meters away. The head referee polled the judges and made a decision, and his call was final.
To make sure that all touches are accounted for, the sport relies on electrical scoring machines. These devices are used to detect the smallest of touches, and they are a critical part of the fencing equipment that allows athletes to execute such precision movements. It is possible that these electronic systems will eventually replace the traditional judging system and allow a more consistent, objective measure of a fencer’s performance.