Amazon slammed for selling gadget that allows thieves to break into transit vans
The 'skeleton key' lead to a rise in vehicles being ransacked
AMAZON was blasted yesterday for selling a gizmo for thieves to break into Ford Transit vans.
The £16.59 “skeleton key” — meant for locksmiths — has led to a boom in vehicles being ransacked.
YouTube videos show how to use the device, called the Premium Ford Tibbe Lock Pick and Decoder.
Electrician Jonathan Pulleyn, 28, whose Transit was targeted in Rillington, North Yorks, said: “Lots of vans are being robbed with no forced entry. I’m disgusted Amazon are selling something like this.”
Worse still, the kit is available for anyone to buy without restriction because there is no licence on the sale of locksmiths tools.
The key is listed on Amazon by Locksmith Tools Direct but last night it claimed to be no longer trading, saying a “third-party seller” had taken over.
Last night Steffan George of the Master Locksmiths Association demanded a crackdown following a spate of thefts.
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He said: "Members are finding the remnants of this sort of equipment in vans that have been broken into by thieves.
"We see no reason why Amazon and other online sellers should be selling these items.
"In Ireland, locksmiths will need a license from next month, which will restrict the availability of these tools over there. Is this something we should be looking to follow?"
Ford slammed a “lack of legislation” over who can buy locksmith tools.
Amazon refused to comment.