Locksmiths are divided over whether stickers left on doors are left by burglars to identify potential targets.

This week police said they were investigating transparent stickers advertising a ‘24/7 locksmiths’ left on doors across Waltham Forest.

But Nick Given, 27, a qualified carpenter and locksmith at Delta Security, said he is not convinced the stickers are related to organised crime.

He said: “I’ve seen these stickers on telecom systems before but not in this way.

“I can’t work out what the point of this is, but I don’t think it is a scam.

“I don’t see the harm in these stickers and it is only until someone breaks into the property that it becomes a serious crime.”

Jim Stuart, 49, owner of Absolute Emergency Locksmiths in Leytonstone, is also sceptical about claims and believes the stickers are being used as a promotional tool.

He said: “I know of a couple of companies that use these stickers and I see them all the time.

"They are getting more common in Waltham Forest, but I see it as someone trying to advertise their business.

“I wouldn’t feel scared. As a resident you should know if your property is secure. To suggest it is organised criminals targeting properties is a bit far-fetched.

Dr Stefan George is Director of Business Development at Master Locksmith Association (MLA).

He admitted there is “potential” for the stickers to be used by burglary gangs.

The 41-year-old said: “It is strange that a locksmith would choose to advertise using a transparent sticker or something that small.

“If there are stickers placed on an owner’s property, but the owner is confident that their property is secure, then they shouldn’t worry about it,” he said.

However, the owner of Dennis Lock & Key in Wood Street believes the stickers are linked to crime.

Val Stokes, 57, said: “To advertise a totally unobtainable number suggests it is linked to crime or some kind of fraudulent activity.

“I would ask residents to remove the stickers and contact a qualified locksmith or security company if they feel their home is not secure enough.”