Blowtorch Burglary – What It is & How to Prevent It (Expert View)
A recent news report says that thieves are now using blowtorches to break into people’s homes. Called a “blowtorch burglary,” this home invasion method has become quite prevalent in the UK. High-powered blowtorches melt through the plastic surrounding your door lock (especially if you have an uPVC door). This way burglars easily bypass your domestic security and enter without resistance. Blowtorch burglaries are on the rise, we’re afraid. Burglars will use this method with snapping tools to easily break into your property. Since your front door is a burglar’s go-to point of entry, many burglars are now using this method to commit property crimes.
Now, these break-ins aren’t only problematic since they damage your property; they are also a huge threat to your safety and your loved ones’ safety. You don’t want to feel vulnerable at the hands of local burglars who might easily break into your abode by using a blowtorch. That’s why you should take proactive steps to safeguard your property. As criminals around you evolve and learn to adapt, you too should utilise every method at your disposal to prevent burglaries.
Blowtorch Burglary: What Is It?
Let’s explain what a blowtorch burglary is and how it happens in the first place. Many burglars in the UK will target homeowners who have uPVC or composite doors (since these doors happen to be quite weaker compared to their alternatives). With high-powered blowtorches, they’ll melt the plastic surrounding the door lock. That’s why they manipulate the lock mechanism inside.
This technique is preferred by most criminals over snapping. Snapping happens when burglars weaken a lock before breaking it off. However, while snapping is a very popular method, using a blowtorch isn’t that common among British burglars yet. But you should be wary of it in 2026.
Are You Susceptible to Blowtorch Burglars?
Let’s see if your door is at risk for blowtorch burglaries. If your house has any of these four types then you should be vigilant:
- uPVC: Older uPVC models can’t stand blowtorch attacks. They contain plastic materials that are melted by a blowtorch effortlessly.
- Composite: Composite doors are also targeted by blowtorch burglars. They’re generally safer than uPVC doors, however.
- Euro Cylinders: Euro-cylinder locks that don’t have anti-snapping features are broken via blowtorches in home invasions. You can switch to TS007 3-Star or SS312 Diamond locks to make your home unbreakable.
- Cheap Locks: Finally, using cheap door locks won’t do! Inexpensive locks will falter very easily before a blowtorch. You should buy advanced, high-security locking mechanisms with burglar-resistant, anti-snapping features from Lock & Key.
Preventing Blowtorch Burglaries: 4 Amazing Tips
Did you know that blowtorch burglaries have become a vermin spreading throughout Europe? In France even, cops have arrested burglars who used blowtorches to attack people’s homes. But there’s no need to worry if you’ve followed all these tips:
1. Get an anti-snap door lock
You should get TS007 or Sold Secure Diamond Standard locks for your home. These amazing door lock types resist snapping methods. Also, Ultion Cylinders are perfect for UK homeowners afraid of blowtorch burglaries.
2. Get sash jammers for your doors
You should also add sash jammers to your door for blowtorch burglary resistance. These items will secure the door to its frame. This way, burglars won’t be able to open it even if they bypass the door lock by melting it with a blowtorch. Also, they serve as a secondary barrier and protect your door. Don’t forget that they’re easy to install. Recommended if you have an uPVC door!
3. Use alternative protection methods
Some other property protection methods include:
- Installing visible security cameras to scare off potential burglars
- Adding security grills to your doors to discourage forced-entry methods
- Never leaving your valuables in plain sight, making your property less appealing to local criminals
- Setting up door reinforcement plates to prevent burglars from breaking into your home
- Keeping your garden, shed, and garage tidy to prevent burglars from hiding
4. Hire a DBS-verified local locksmith
Don’t forget to hire a capable locksmith. Make sure that this locksmith is DBS-verified and works in your area. Experienced locksmiths perform burglary repairs and can upgrade your door locks. If you are worried about blowtorch burglaries in North Yorkshire, Lock & Key is the right agency to bring your domestic security up to scratch!
What’s Next? Call Lock & Key
If you want to make your property resistant to the most common methods used by burglars, it’s recommended that you work with UK’s solitary City & Guilds accredited locksmith agency. We at Lock & Key Leeds offer our services as the best locksmiths with 24/7 availability and a full-year workmanship quality guarantee. Trust us to keep your home resistant to burglaries with vigour!
