SECURITY experts are warning people to check their locks after thieves broke into two homes during the night using a method which has not been reported in East Lothian before.

Police were called to both incidents in Wallyford after residents woke to find their doors had been opened by cylinder snapping - a quick and silent technique normally only used by professional locksmiths.

Both incidents happened on Park Drive, with police reporting the break-ins between 3.30am on Friday and 4.30am on Saturday.

Locksmith Graeme MacDonald was so concerned to see the methods used he took to social media to warn people.

Graeme told the Courier: "In 35 years in the trade this is the first time I have come across it in East Lothian.

"It is extremely worrying because it can be done silently and quickly."

Cylinder snapping involves a special tool which can be used if the cylinder of the lock is protruding as little as 5mm from the door surface, to twist and remove it.

It is commonly used by locksmiths called out to help people who are locked out of their homes, but extremely rare in Scotland.

Graeme, director of Claymore Lock and Safe, Haddington, posted a warning on Facebook on Sunday for other county residents.

In it, he said: "I attended two break-ins in the East Lothian area yesterday that really concerned me.

"Cylinder snapping is a mode of entry that has only been heard of initially in Yorkshire and mostly down south. Not any more. Both these houses were occupied at the time and nobody heard a thing.

"If you have a upvc or wooden door fitted with cylinder locks and your cylinder protrudes out more than 5mm then you are in real danger of being broken into.

"We have been snapping cylinders for a few years now (legally) and it is very quick and very quietly done!"

Graeme said people could buy anti-snap locks which were inexpensive and easy to install.

He said: "I don't want to alarm people, but I do want them to be aware this has happened and there is something they can do to guard against it."

Police Scotland confirmed they were investigating the break-ins, which saw hundreds of pounds in cash stolen along with personal items.

Sergeant Derek MacDonald, from Tranent Police Station, said: “We’re currently investigating two housebreakings which took place on Park Drive between 3.30am on Friday and 4.30am on Saturday.

“Entry was forced to each property and various items, including a three-figure sum of cash, were stolen from within.

“I’d urge the community to be vigilant in reporting any suspicious behaviour to us – we’d rather attend a false alarm than have someone’s home broken into. Always make sure that your home, gates and outbuildings are secured overnight and house/car keys are hidden from view.

“Consider investing in additional security, such as motion-activated lights at the front and rear of your property, and always make sure that any security arrangements already in place, such as alarms, are utilised.

“Finally, I’d ask anyone with information about these break-ins or the whereabouts of the stolen items to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”