Buying a door lock off eBay, bad idea?

tarloweh

Might sound really dumb but someone is selling a door mortice sash lock as "new" but someone can easily make a copy of the key and burgle your home. Just wondering how so many people buy them as the seller will have you address. I'm guessing most of the sold must be sealed, perhaps i should avoid this one?

pramsay13

Sounds a bit far-fetched to me but I guess in theory a possibility.

If it's a real worry for you get it delivered to somewhere else or just go to a shop and buy one.

martindow

You could always buy from a distant seller if you are worried - the further away you are the less worthwhile it would be to do anything.


In reality I think you are worrying too much.

StumpyPumpy

How much does it really worry you? That is, how much in money terms? You can always pay more and buy one in a hardware store, pay by cash and walk out with an anonymous lock if that eases your worries and squares the cost/worry circle.

SP

pinkshoes

It is something I would NEVER do. I wonder if they sell on the list of addresses and a copy of the key to criminals...! Unlikely, but not worth a risk.

I would have it sent to work instead!

perfect10

can't you use click and collect from local shop? Never used this service so no idea whether they still have your address?

hollydays

I'd more be thinking cheap Chinese lock
Your thinking is too paranoid and I'm very cautious

RFW

First, I've never heard of it, obviously doesn't mean it hasn't happened but is unlikely.
Second, if it was happening they'd want to know you were buying it for your property and which door you were putting it on.
Third, they'd need to know if you were worth robbing. If you are the kind of person who buys second hand locks on Ebay then probably not:p
I know crime is rife but the people who do house robberies are either doing it to feed a habit or someone doing it because it's worthwhile. Your average criminal isn't going to chance a fifteen year stretch on the off chance that someone 200 miles away might be worth robbing. If they're in the next street, then you can panic.


All that said, if you don't think it's worth it don't do it. Head along to your local DIY store but pay cash and make sure no one follows you home.

[Deleted User]

Highly unlikely that a seller will be copying keys ready for an easy walk in burglary. The people you have to worry about live around you.
Try joining your local neighbourhood watch on Facebook. Its now becoming one of my most used websites observing "named and shamed, shed and house burglars, car thieves. .
We all know that the Police have given up on protecting us from lowlife spice addicts. Join Facebook local neighbourhood watch and find out yourself how and where they are operating in your area.
Someone living hundreds of miles away won t be bothering you.
Tip...., if you have any Euro type locks fitted to double glazed doors , only use a "snapsafe" type lock sold by Squire or Yale. Bump locking burglars can get in fairly silently in a minute or two at the most if the locks are the usual cheap ones which came with the door. The cheap Euro locks easily snap at their weakest point.. Bump locking is one of the most used methods to enter a property. Does nt matter how many bars the door has, 4, 5, 6 they are all controlled by a cheap and nasty Euro lock costing £2 most of the time. See the bump lock method in action on Youtube to see how easy it is.
The Squires and Yales are over £20 but very easy to fit.