UK Police Testing New Locks

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Robert Phillips

The British door and lock industry is working in partnership with the Association of Chief Police Officers to develop a new British standard for locks, the BBC reports.

The decision to take up the task was made after police reports indicated an increase in the number of the so-called “lock snapping” burglaries, which allow thieves to gain access to a property by breaking a lock.

These types of break-ins are typically targeted at euro cylinder locks, which can easily be broken in two by applying force. Officers say that it might take 50 seconds to two minutes to break the lock. Euro cylinder locks are quite common in the UK, with millions of households having them installed, typically on UPVC and other double glazed doors.

Over one in four burglaries in West Yorkshire are committed by criminals employing the technique and police think that by setting new standards for locks, the number of burglaries can be substantially reduced.

Ch Supt Paul Money, from West Yorkshire Police, comments that efforts are being made to produce locks that will be resistant to attacks and a lot stronger. He did not commit to predictions when the new British standard will be ready but confirmed that new locks are being tested at present.

Meanwhile, citizens are encouraged to look for advice from crime prevention units and to consider replacing their locks with ones that are more advanced and difficult to pick.

Retail Store Ram-Raided In Kent

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Robert Phillips

A retail store in New Romney, Kent was ram-raided in the early morning of 17 January. The criminals used a stolen car to smash the door of a Spar and caused over £20,000 of damage.

The Ford Ka used to break into the shop was reported stolen from Ashford on 8 January. The manager of the Spar, Luke Parker, said that the cost of the damage might be closer to £25,000 when repair work, stock replacement and missed-out sales were factored in.

This has been the latest ram-raid in the region in a week, as similar incidents were registered in other locations in Kent, including West Hythe, Ashford and Rolvenden. The police think the attacks are linked, as in all of them the ram-raiders have stolen large quantities of cigarettes. In a raid against a garage in Dymchurch, a cigarette locker had been opened and its contents were stolen.

Detective Inspector Mark Weller from Kent Police confirmed that the five thefts of cigarettes and alcohol are being linked and said that traders in the area are being advised on crime prevention measures.

A couple of weeks ago thieves broke into a fishing shop in New Romney through the back door, in another incident which is believed not to be related to the ram-raids. The owner, 18-year-old James King, reported stolen fishing equipment, while part of the CCTV that ensured the shop’s security was also missing. King estimates the break-in has caused about £6,000 of damage to his business.

Spa Client Alarmed By Locker Theft, Manager Denies Safety Breaches

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Robert Phillips

A man from Knutsford, Cheshire, is planing to quit his membership at a local spa, after rumours that some lockers have been broken into.

The man, whose name was not revealed, said that the thefts have alarmed other members of the spa as well. Although no details have been given, it is believed that money and watches have been stolen from lockers in the changing room.

The customer, who has been visiting the spa for over two years, is concerned about the security of his personal belongings and the fact that lockers might not provide enough safety. People who are not members of the spa can freely walk inside and enter the changing rooms, he says. He felt insulted by the fact that membership fees might be going up in 2012, despite the theft allegations and threatened to leave if he did not see improvement.

However, Mark Bowers, the general manager of the spa, claimed that only one locker has been broken into. He explained that apart from the lockers, there are also other security measures available at the spa, such as CCTV and mini-safes, and members are encouraged to use them if they have very expensive items on them. Everyone entering the building is required to sign in, the manager said, adding that members themselves may let outsiders get into the spa, as members are supplied with personal keys and sometimes they hold the door open for other people, which is against the rules of the spa, Bowers explained.