THIEVES CAUGHT ON VIDEO USING SKELETON KEY TO STEAL FROM VANS IN SWINTON

The video shows the moment that two men wearing baseball caps walk past their home on Hospital Road, Swinton, checking the coast is clear they return a few moments later oblivious to the video camera, to steal tools from the back of the van parked up on the drive.

The thieves didn't have to break any glass of damage the locks as they were using an easily obtainable Skeleton Key which can be found being sold on both Amazon and Ebay.

The tool has a product description that states.

Quote

 

"This will pick and decode the Ford Tibbe Lock in seconds providing a code that can be used to cut a new Ford Tibbe key. 

Easy to read marked out coding numbers. Supplied in a quality leather case. 

Note: These are delicate tools and break easily even under moderate pressure. Only light pressure is required. They are non returnable if broken. Do not buy if you do not agree to these terms. 

Please enquire if advice is required before purchase."

 

The thieves then went on to steal from a neighbours van across the road.

We tired to get a comment from both Amazon and Ebay but both had no one available to talk to us at the time, we have emailed them to ask why these items are being sold to the general public when they can be used to 'encourage or facilitate crime'.

This is not the first time Amazon has been in hot water over the sale of such products, in October last year they were criticised for selling a lock picking 'Pen' Toolkit for as little as £2. (Seen Bellow)

According to UK Law it is perfectly legal to sell or own a lock pick set in the UK.

If you are offered any cheap tools from anyone matching the description in the photos above then please contact GMP via 101 with as many details as possible.

If you have a Transit Van which is not fitted with additional security locks then please take this as a warning to upgrade your security. Additionally don't leave any tools or other expensive items in your van over night.

On looking on the Amazon site we have found similar Skeleton Keys for other makes and models of car, Amazon have known about the issue for a while and so far refused to do anything about it.

These tools are the same ones used by locksmiths and, when they go outside that community, they can do some real damage.