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Anger at YouTube videos that show how to break into houses
Last updated at 11:07am on 29.11.06
Breaking and entering: A film showing how to make the tools needed to pick locks, has been viewed more than 60,000 times.
Householders were warned today to check their security in an alert sparked by video website YouTube.
Hundreds of videos are available on the site showing users how to pick locks, which experts fear will result in a spate of burglaries.
The films were uncovered in an investigation by Which? magazine and sparked calls for YouTube to remove them from the site.
Which? researchers found that a search for "lock-picking" on the site brings up more than 280 videos showing how different types of lock can be picked and what tools are needed.
One film, which shows how to make the tools needed to pick locks, has been viewed more than 60,000 times.
Jeff Turner of the Master Locksmiths Association said: "We wouldn't want to cause undue worry but some of the techniques should not be in the public domain because of the risk they'll be used by thieves.
"We see cases where people have been burgled but there's no sign of a forced entry. The police say a key was used. The householder says that no keys are missing but even then the insurance company refuses to pay out." Videos appear to have been put on the site by teenagers.
Some are accompanied by comments from people saying they have followed the instructions to successfully pick locks of neighbours.
One message says: "Made my first bump key today, using a file and a vice. It took me 10 minutes to file the grooves and 40 seconds to open my friend's front door. Sleep tight, people."
Google, which recently bought the site, said the matter is for YouTube, a wholly owned subsidiary. YouTube was unavailable for comment.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin said recently that he became interested in picking locks as a student and once picked the lock of his company's offices when he didn't have a key.
Last month, he told reporters that he learned the "bumping" technique by watching a video available through the Google website.
"I was curious" he said. "You want to see a person just do it."
Reader views (9)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
I don't think the videos should be removed. The site moto is 'broadcast yourself'so why, if you have a skill, can you not broadcast it?
The only thing videos like this in the public domain will instigate is a retaliation from lock companies to design better locks. We live in an age where there is no excuse. It can be done, but they can't be bothered.
I pick locks for a hobby, That doesn't automatically make me criminal does it? I don't use my skill for malicious purposes. It's the same for gun owners...just because they have a gun, it does not mean they are going to commit crimes with it.
I fully support Youtube & its decision not to comment. Why should they have to? If Youtube took every video down that they received a complaint for, there would be nothing on the website!
- Spence, London, UK
A video about lock picking will not make someone a criminal. The person who commits a crime does so whether or not they know how to pick a lock.
- Scott A, Long Beach, California USA
I find it profoundly humerous when people are protesting lock-picking vidoes on the internet, but don't seem as concerned about the Discovery series, "It Takes a Thief" which shows viewers how to break into people's homes, and get out in a matter of minutes. All of these techniques are far more effective than spending five minutes picking a lock.
- James Reiner, Des Moines, IA
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