A RHYL carpenter and joiner has invented a device to stop intruders forcing open doors which will be launched onto the market next year.

Intruders can normally force door chains and bars fairly easily, but would find it difficult to get past a Loxout door limiter, they couldn’t kick a door past it.

The device will become available to the public next year.

Graham Piper, who invented the device said: “I was appalled when I saw on television how a thug had forced his way into an old lady’s home and beat her up before stealing money. There was another occasion when an intruder stabbed a gentleman.

“This started me thinking there has to be a way to stop this sort of thing happening.

“All of this happened after a period in my life when I suffered depression because of a domestic tragedy.”

He added: “So I spent a lot of time thinking through the concept, designing the device and then testing examples. The process took about 13 years. We are now preparing for the formal market launch in January.

“I don’t think there is anything else like this available on the market. It is much more effective than door chains and bars, which are relatively easy to force. As a joiner I know the limitations of door chains and bars.

“The Loxout has been patented and an engineering company has been lined up to produce it. It is quite easy to fit to front, or for that matter back doors. It is little more than screwing it to the top of a door frame and to the door.”

“It won’t be expensive to buy and it brings and new level of safety to people’s homes enabling them to open the door and leave safely ajar while seeing who is calling.”