This is an increasingly common burglary method. In August 2023, six men were arrested in Hauts-de-Seine, suspected of more than 80 burglaries. Nicknamed “the acid burglar gang”, the criminals used a modus operandi that was astonishing to say the least. Rather than a crowbar, they attacked locks using a corrosive product based on acid and liquid nitrogen. A mixture that makes it easier and quieter to destroy the door opening mechanism.
A practice that is both silent and fast thanks to acid
The first facts date back to July 11, 2022. At that time, several apartment burglaries had been recorded in the Hauts-de-Seine department. The police then discovered that burglars adopt a new technique: nitric acid. “They inject a corrosive liquid into the lock cylinder, which damages the mechanism by melting it. They then slide a tool inside which allows them to open very quickly and without making noise“, indicated a police officer in the columns of 20 minutes. This method, extremely effective, has two considerable advantages: silence and speed. “We can estimate that in five or ten minutes, it was resolved“, explains Fanélie Raverot, divisional commissioner and head of territorial security of Hauts-de-Seine, to Franceinfo.
The police followed up the investigation, analyzing conversations and telephone lines, until they arrested a gang of criminals on August 16, 2023. Each had a very specific role: four burglary professionals, a driver, and a “chemist” in charge of the lock.
Burglary: constantly increasing figures
In 2022, 211,400 burglaries were recordedaccording to Ministry of the Interior, or approximately one every two minutes. A figure increasing by 11% compared to the previous year. Among the most affected departments, most are in the West: Loire-Atlantique, Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan. Just like in Île-de-France, Occitanie, Auvergne Rhône-Alpes and Hauts-de-France. Break-ins are mainly concentrated in the largest cities. In the capital alone, the number of burglaries has increased by 25% in 2022compared to 2021.
Protecting yourself against this burglary technique to avoid theft and intrusion is necessary. For example, you can install an alarm and a video surveillance system. In addition, to deter thieves, it is important to give the impression of an inhabited home. So, remember to empty your mailbox and trash cans regularly. Also ask your neighbors to stop by your house when you are away.
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