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Holidaymakers warned: Leaving key in door can invite burglars
🇬🇷 Greece /Crime & Justice

Holidaymakers warned: Leaving key in door can invite burglars

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Security experts warn that leaving keys in the inside of a door, even when locked, can facilitate break-ins.
  • Old-fashioned locks are easily bypassed with common tools, while modern locks with cylinders and defenders offer better protection.
  • Practical advice includes always locking doors, even for short absences, and avoiding the common mistake of leaving the key in the interior lock.

As summer holidays approach, security experts are highlighting a common mistake that can leave homes vulnerable to burglars: leaving the key in the inside of a locked door. This practice, while seemingly innocuous, can inadvertently aid intruders.

Locksmith Taxiarhis Papaioannou explained that traditional lock mechanisms are easily compromised. He stated that "old-type locks must be changed immediately, as they open easily with burglary tools, almost as if using the regular key." In contrast, modern security locks featuring cylinders and special defenders provide a significantly higher level of protection. Papaioannou emphasized that time is a critical factor for burglars; the longer they struggle, the more likely they are to abandon their attempt.

old-type locks must be changed immediately, as they open easily with burglary tools, almost as if using the regular key.

— Taxiarhis PapaioannouA locksmith explaining the vulnerability of traditional door locks.

For homeowners unable to replace their entire lock system, changing only the cylinder offers a more economical solution that still enhances security compared to an outdated mechanism. Papaioannou also provided practical advice for those leaving their homes for vacation. He stressed the importance of always keeping the door locked, noting that even robust doors become vulnerable if left unlocked.

A frequent error, according to experts, is leaving the key in the interior side of the door. This can create a leverage point, potentially facilitating a break-in from the outside. Therefore, ensuring the door is not only locked but also free of any key obstruction is crucial for maximizing home security during absences.

the time is the most important element

— Taxiarhis PapaioannouA locksmith explaining how delaying a burglar increases the chances of them giving up.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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