Throughout history, some homeowners have taken security to extreme lengths, rigging their properties with deadly traps to deter intruders. While their ingenuity is sometimes remarkable, the legal and moral consequences are severe. As professional locksmiths, we strongly condemn these methods. This article examines five notorious cases and explains why legal, professional security measures are always the better choice.
1. Edward Briney (Iowa, 1958)
After repeated break-ins at his unoccupied farmhouse, Edward Briney set a shotgun trap aimed at the bedroom door. When a burglar broke in, the gun fired, severely injuring his leg. The burglar sued Briney and won $30,000 in damages. The court ruled that deadly force cannot be used to protect property when no human life is at risk.
Lesson: In the UK and most jurisdictions, booby traps are illegal. You can be criminally prosecuted and civilly sued if someone is injured, even if they were trespassing. The law values human life over property.
2. The Trapdoor Homeowner (Kentucky, 1971)
A Kentucky man tired of repeated burglaries installed a hidden trapdoor over his cellar stairs. When a burglar fell through, he was injured. The homeowner faced criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. The court again held that setting traps is never lawful, regardless of the victim's intent.
3. The Electrified Doorknob (California, 1990s)
A homeowner wired his front doorknob to the mains electricity supply. He intended to "teach burglars a lesson." Fortunately, no one was killed, but when discovered by a postal worker, the homeowner faced serious criminal charges including reckless endangerment. The property was also flagged as hazardous.
4. The Man-Trap House (Arizona, 2001)
A paranoid homeowner constructed an elaborate series of tripwires, falling objects, and sharpened stakes throughout his property. He advertised the house as "burglar-proof." When a trespassing teenager was injured, the homeowner was convicted of aggravated assault and sentenced to prison.
5. The Glued Locks Revenge (Florida, 2015)
A homeowner, frustrated by repeated break-ins, superglued all his locks from the inside, hoping to trap burglars inside the house until police arrived. Instead, a fire broke out and the homeowner himself could not escape. He suffered serious smoke inhalation. The locks had to be destroyed by firefighters, causing extensive property damage.
Lesson: Tampering with your own locks can backfire catastrophically. Always maintain working locks that can be opened quickly from the inside in case of fire or other emergencies.
Legal Reality in the UK
Under UK law, setting booby traps is a criminal offence. You can be prosecuted under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and civil liability is automatic. If a trespasser, emergency responder, or even a child is injured by a trap on your property, you are fully liable. There is no legal defence based on the victim's criminal intent.
What You Should Do Instead
Effective, legal security measures include:
- British Standard locks on all external doors
- Monitored alarm systems with rapid police response
- CCTV cameras with motion detection and cloud storage
- Security lighting around all entry points
- Reinforced doors and windows with laminated glass
- Smart doorbells with two-way audio
At Keys4U, we provide professional, legal, and highly effective security solutions. Our locksmiths are trained to assess your property and recommend the best combination of physical and electronic security. Call us on 033 3305 2993 for a free security consultation.