Householders in West Yorkshire are exposing themselves to crime because of the type of lock used in their uPVC doors.

Police in the county last week issued an appeal for householders to get their uPVC door locks checked and replaced after a spate of burglaries.

This follows an increase in break-ins where vulnerable and cheap ‘Euro-profile’ locks have been forced. Burglars use a simple tool to smash the lock in a technique well known among criminals.

Around one in four burglaries in West Yorkshire involves the Euro-profile locks, which are extensively used in uPVC doors, particularly older ones.

Neil Goldup, Chief Executive of CASAC (Community Action and Support Against Crime), said: "January is a bumper month for burglars and many people just don’t realise how vulnerable they are if they have these locks fitted.

“It’s incredibly easy for criminals to gain entry once they realise what type of lock is in the door.

“But here at CASAC we offer a free service across most of West Yorkshire to check a property and we have new fully-tested Eurocylinder locks which are guaranteed to be unbreakable.”

CASAC is one of the country’s leading social enterprises and they are among a handful of outlets which have the new locks to fit.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed: "There has been an upsurge in ‘Euro-profile’ lock snap burglaries across the whole county. Over 20 percent of house burglaries in the Kirklees Division have been committed by offenders breaking such locks on UPVC doors.”

Contact CASAC for more information about the service they provide on 0113 380 5644.

Media Release issued by Urban Media PR: Clifford House, 7-9 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RA.

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