Thieves Targeting Garages in Dalkeith & Bonnyrigg
The Midlothian community, particularly in Dalkeith and Bonnyrigg, is being urged to take preventive measures due to a recent increase in garage break-ins. Residents must take immediate action to improve their security, as thieves are actively targeting garages in these areas by tampering with door locks.
To effectively protect your valuable possessions, such as e-bikes and motorcycles, you must take immediate action to assess and strengthen your lock security. This is especially critical for popular brands like Hormann, which have been identified as highly susceptible to theft. Don’t leave your belongings unprotected; ensure you have the best security measures in place.
By staying alert and taking decisive, proactive measures, we can effectively unite in the fight against these criminal activities and protect what matters most to us. Together, we can make a significant difference!
The Threat: How do I prevent Thieves from snapping my garage door locks?
Reports from the area suggest that thieves are using a quick and effective method to target garage doors in Dalkeith and Bonnyrigg. We urge homeowners to remain vigilant following a recent increase in garage break-ins over the past few weeks.
Thieves are actively targeting garages in these areas to break door locks.
Criminals target high-value items like e-bikes and motorcycles, often exploiting weak door locks, including those from popular brands like Hormann. They frequently use a technique called “lock snapping” to bypass standard garage door security.
- How it Works: The burglar applies force to the cylinder, causing it to snap at its weakest point (often the central screw hole). >When triggered, the internal mechanism becomes exposed and can be manipulated with ease, allowing for the door to be opened within seconds. This compromises the effectiveness of the multiple locking points on the door.
- The highly desirable nature and ease of resale of E-bikes, high-value mountain bikes, and motorcycles make them the primary targets in these break-ins.
- Police have previously investigated the theft of high-value bikes in the Bonnyrigg/Dalkeith area. The current activity suggests a new, coordinated effort.
Is Your Hormann or Other Garage Door at Risk?
Please consider changing the garage lock to 3-star Anti-Snap Locks. Chris from Pentland Locksmiths Services can advise you on the best lock available to deter lock snapping
This is a crucial weak point that professional thieves are now exploiting across the UK.
What can we do to stop thieves from targeting your garage door locks?
Replace standard Euro cylinder locks with high-security Anti-Snap Cylinders.
- > Ensure you upgrade to a lock cylinder that meets the TS007 3-Star Rating or the SS312 Diamond Standard for top-level security.
- Fit Sold Secure Garage Door Defenders or Enfield Garage Bolts to improve security.
What other deterrents should I consider?
- CCTV/Lighting: Install motion-activated lighting and consider a basic CCTV or video doorbell system pointed at your garage door.
- Protect your garden gate with a high-security gate lock.
