Warning issued about terrifying new method used by burglars to break into homes
15.01.2022 - 01:05
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Security experts have warned about a new crime technique being used by burglars to destroy people’s locks during break-ins.
Robbers are using blowtorches to melt and then snap off door locks to gain entry to people’s homes.
The fresh method has been spotted by one locksmith company who have noticed a spate of attempted burglary attempts at people who have asked them to fit new locks.
Last month one family woke up in the morning to find their door lock burned and badly damaged in a break-in.
Criminals who have adopted the mini flame-tool have fallen short of breaking snap-resistant locks, which experts are now recommending as the best form of protection in homes.
Manchester company Locksmith L & E Ltd has seen several cases of burglars blowtorching and snapping locks and company director Elizabeth Johns is urging people to be aware of the trend.
Elizabeth told Manchester Evening News : “We do find that Christmas time is absolutely rife for burglaries and people trying to gain access to homes and vans.
“The reason intruders use blowtorches is that they are trying to remove the handle from around it, so they can get a good grip on the lock to then snap it.
“On standard locks, once the lock snaps, the door will open so it’s all about gaining access to try and get a good grip on that lock.”
Snap-resistant locks would not allow intruders to open your doors, Elizabeth recommended.
She explained: “Once it’s snapped, a snap-resistant lock will still snap the lock, but your door will remain locked.
“It means unfortunately, the lock and the door will still be damaged, but the intruders won’t have gained access to your home.
“I think people don’t understand until it happens to them and it’s quite frustrating for us, because we say,