North Essex: Alert over 'bump' burglars

5:07pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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HOMEOWNERS across Essex are being warned of a new burglary technique called bumping.

This involves using a skeleton key, bought on the internet, to access the cylinder mechanism which opens most locks.

Insurance company Swish Windows and Doors warns that millions of UK homes are at risk because of a weakness in cylinder locks, meaning burglars do not need to use a lot of force beyond tapping the key.

Some insurers are refusing to cover such burglaries as there is no proof that the homeowner did not leave the door unlocked.

The issue is already causing concern within Essex Police.

Colin Stiff, Colchester crime reduction officer, said the problem had been under discussion.

He said that "lock bumping" is a known method of breaking into homes but said that, to his knowledge, it has not yet been tried in Colchester.

Mr Stiff added: "The advice is not to just rely on the lever action of the door handle, which activates the latches or bolts, but to also lock the door.

"It is understood that modifications to existing locks are currently being investigated by the manufacturers."