Blow torches used to melt through doors in Peak District burglaries

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has in recent weeks dealt with a number of incidents, around the High Peak area, where blow torches have been used to melt HPV and composite doors to gain access to properties.

Whilst the incidents are being looked into by Derbyshire Constabulary, they do pose a potential fire risk due to the use of blow torches.

Prevention Station Manager Mark Whitelaw said: “It’s devastating to hear such incidents are happening within our local communities, especially at this time of year.

"Our police colleagues are working hard to reduce the risk of such incidents, but it’s important to be aware and have safety advice in place to reduce your risk.

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“To help keep you safe from fire in your home please make sure you have working smoke alarms installed and test them weekly; but most importantly be vigilant, and have a planned and practiced escape route so you can get out safely in the event of an emergency.

"In the event of a fire, remember, Get out, Stay out, and Call 999.”

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary said: “We are linking burglaries in which a blow torch was used to break in through the door.

“At 3.15am on December 15, a house in Church Lane, Tideswell, was broken into. The thieves took a wallet and a set of keys, which they used to steal the victim’s yellow Audi S1. They also took a motocross trail bike and an electric Devinci bike.

“A similar crime took place in the village that morning. At 3.50am, two men broke into a house in Tithe Barn Close. They searched the house but didn’t steal anything.

“This is an unusual crime and the victims were understandably left very upset. We are investigating and have been speaking to villagers to gather CCTV from the area. If you have any information, we would urge you to get in touch quoting reference 20000660662.”