Lock sabotage

Lock sabotage is deliberate damage to a lock or lock cylinder so that it cannot be opened or closed normally. Unlike an attempted burglary, the aim is usually to cause a nuisance or stop the door from being used.

You can recognise it because the key will not go in or will not turn and, when you look into the keyway, you can see traces of glue, silicone or something pushed inside. It sometimes happens at communal entrances, business premises or storerooms after a dispute.

Do not force the key or try to get out what is inside with a piece of wire, because you will make the damage worse. Take photos and, if you want to report it to the police or make an insurance claim, we can give you a written record in a forced lock report.