Thieves could use ‘magic’ key to burgle homes

14 April 2005

BRUSSELS – As many as 90 percent of Belgian doors could be vulnerable to burglars who are able to easily open them using an ingenious key.

The tabloid La Derniere Heure reported on Thursday that a key with five teeth was now being sold on a German internet site.

Using it, criminals can open doors to classic locks within about 10 seconds.

No trace of forced entry is left on the door, meaning it is impossible to claim losses from most insurance companies.

“In Belgium about 90 percent of rooms are equipped with classic locks,” said an internal police report.

“It’s therefore very possible that the number of burglaries of houses and flats where there is no trace of entry will rise.”

The police are highlighting the problem so that insurance companies and home owners can be better prepared.

Key-cutter Lieven Krokaert advised worried homeowners to change their locks to reinforced ones which could only be opened by six-toothed keys.

[Copyright Expatica 2005]

Subject: Belgian news