Holidaymakers warned that thieves are using 3D-printed keys to break into suitcases in seconds

BRITS who lock their suitcases before travelling could still find their bags being broken into, thanks to new technology.

Many suitcases have TSA approved locks, which allows the US Transportation Security Administration to get into passengers' luggage for security searches without breaking the lock or the zip.

The TSA locks are numbered from 001 to 007 and there are master keys to get into each of them.

A Washington Post report in 2014 revealed the master keys in a set of photos, which were quickly replicated online .

The images were later taken down - but not before the keys were replicated using 3D printers.

, four years on, the same 3D printed keys can still be used to unlock any suitcase fitted with a TSA lock .

The consumer champions found that they could print their own with machines costing just £200, or get stainless steel versions from professional printers.

Thieves could then use the key to access the suitcase without breaking it before stealing the contents.

While the threat is concerning, travel security Travel Sentry said it has had "no perceptible impact" on travellers as most thieves use "brute force" to get into suitcases, not by accessing the locks.

UK airports do not use a TSA approved lock system, but countries including the US, the majority of European countries and Australia do.

Travellers who find their items stolen when they check their suitcase into the hold may not be covered by their insurance if the bag was not locked.

Insurers warned passengers they would need to be able to prove they had used a lock if anything was taken.

Sun Online Travel has contacted TSA for comment.