Invention could help to reduce home break-ins

Double glazing fitted 10 or 20-years-ago was often fitted with external beading meaning the glass could be removed from the outside in a matter of seconds - with virtually no noise.

In an attempt to tackle the problem No Go Security Products Limited, Stonebridge Mill, Stonebridge Lane, Oswaldtwistle, has come up with the No Go Glass Lock.

This lock, which fits in to the double glazed window, allows removal of the glass from the inside in the event of an emergency and prevents easy access from the outside.

The inventors, Colin Burgess, of Ramsbottom, and David Murphy, from Rochdale, now living in France, collaborated to patent the plastic security device.

It is fitted to the glass panes of existing installed double glazed units to prevent the glass being removed.

Steve Dobson, director of No Go, said: "There are literally millions of homes throughout UK that have double glazing that have external beading - on the outside of the window pane.

"To experienced burglars this type of double glazing makes unauthorised access through any window pane in many cases as simple as opening an unlocked door.

"Clearly we do not want to provide any information as to the method of entry but suffice to say entry to the home within 30 seconds without making any noise is quite straightforward.

"There are many homes in East Lancashire with these types of windows so it made sense to start here."

Andrew Liptrott, a crime prevention officer for Lancashire Constabulary who advised the company during the design stage of the product, said it was a valuable tool in the fight against crime.

He added: "Removing the beading from uPVC windows and taking out the glass is a method that some burglars use to gain entry to properties and this product is designed to prevent that.

"It is a fantastic product and something we would definitely give our backing to and recommend people with uPVC windows concerned about this type of break-in to get fitted."