Glue in door lock? Burglars?

[Photogemic]

So today my husband said he couldn't get into our outdoor office because there was some sticky substance. I said oh is it not me yesterday when I came out after making a dessert with caramel.

Well tonight he tried again and said no it's definitely something and I go out to have a look and it does look like there is a sticky substance inside the lock and on the handle below.

Has anyone heard of burglars doing this? I just don't know what it would achieve as surely they could have just broken in then and there and got the stuff rather than risking us finding it and getting it fixed?

I'm now on night watch in the kitchen in case this is the situation.

No idea how it could possibly benefit a burglar but surely far more likely to be an act of sabotage. Have you annoyed any neighbours?

You could get a cheap security camera - like a nest camera or even a wildlife canera
No idea on glue

There’s a spate of people finding superglue in their locks here. Bizarre and antisocial but could be that? No idea why, though…

What kind tog lock is it… like a thin silver Yale key or thick chunky Chubb?

You need CCTV

A locksmith is going round gluing locks so that you have to get them replaced.

Ooh how strange! Are you sure it's not just the hardened caramel that you mentioned?

Did you touch the handle with caramel on your hands?

The one time I came across it was some kids gluing the deputy head of school into his office.
Deputy head in charge of school discipline stuff. He didn't have much of a handle on his job in that regard bless him.

I don’t see why burglars would do that. Why not just break in?! All this does is make you improve your security.

I think it was either an evil locksmith who wants work or, more likely, teenage vandals having a ‘laugh’.

@Shangrilalala where abouts are you? We're in the South East

So last night was interesting basically I didn't get to sleep until about 6am when my husband woke up to make sure that if someone was planning on coming back to break in they would be caught. Luckily they didn't make a come back all I saw were some cats.

We got a locksmith out today who had to replace the cylinder and unfortunately there was no doubt this was deliberate and was super glue. He said he's seen it but usually in revenge cases and asked what my husband does. We've only live here 2 months and my husband is a freelancer so no reason for someone to do what they have done. I'm hoping it's just kids but its worrying that they got over the wall and did it.

What is weird is we had superglue out in the house and now cannot find it so my husband suspects its one of our house guests which is making for an uncomfortable time as they already didn't get along (it's a family member who is with us temporarily).

In the meantime we have ordered a camera and motion activated lights along with some privacy film for the windows. I will also be getting some piegon spikes to put up to ensure the wall is a bit more difficult.

Thanks to everyone who replied! Fingers crossed it was just some kids who were looking for some sh*t and giggles.

Goodness - even worse if it’s someone known to you. We’re in Wales (sorry to be replying late)

This happened to us recently. Had to have a new lock, at eye watering cost. No idea why or who did it. The only thing we can think of is that possibly they meant to target next door, as our neighbour is a very difficult person. But who knows, it’s baffling.

You must update us when you've viewed the footage, OP.

What an odd thing to happen.

So it's potentially your house guest?! Strange way to be thankful for putting them up!!!