37p locks no match for Huddersfield criminals, warns W Yorks Police chief

Nov 3 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“I’m now wanting to raise the consciousness of the general public about this as a problem.”

Burglars who target euro-profile locks are very often intent on stealing top-of-the-range cars.

Sir Norman said: “If you have an expensive car parked on your drive, people intent on stealing it know the easiest way to do it is to look through the window and, if they see the keys on display, they can easily remove the lock and go and get it.

“If there are laptops and other valuables on display, the euro-profile lock is not a deterrent.”

Burglaries have risen in Kirklees, leading to it being made a policing priority in the division.

In the last six months, there were 1,606 house burglaries in the district. That was 6.4% more than during the same period last year and more than 50% more than in the same period in 2005, when there were 1,047.

Incidents in which euro-profile locks have been forced open have contributed to the rise.

Sir Norman said: “The locks should be changed for more secure locks and social housing providers are changing them, but private householders need to be aware that the euro-profile locks are very vulnerable.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “It is difficult for a householder to tell what sort of lock is fitted but the general advice is that if you have an older uPVC door, it would be worthwhile getting the door checked by a reputable firm”.

According to police, nearly a quarter of burglaries in Kirklees in the last year were the result of houses being left insecure – with the door unlocked or windows open.

They advise householders to keep doors locked even when they are at home and leave lights on when they are out.