Prison changing most of its locks after inmate steals set of keys

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A prison has been forced to change most of its locks after an inmate stole a set of keys.

The keys are believed to have been snatched from a prison officer at HMP Doncaster, in South Yorkshire, last Wednesday and have not been found despite searches.

Serco, the private firm that runs the category B men’s jail, said it would foot the bill for the “majority of locks” to be replaced.

A spokeswoman for South Yorkshire Police said a 24-year-old man was detained at the prison on suspicion of theft on Monday.

She added: “He remains remanded and has been released under investigation in relation to the offence as enquiries continue.”

A spokesman for Serco said there was no risk to the public and no one was hurt during the incident.

Jerry Spencer, prison director at HMP Doncaster, added: “HMP Doncaster has additional measures in place until the security issue from last week is resolved.

“The incident is being referred to the police, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at the moment.”

A recent inspection report of the category B and resettlement, which houses about 1,100 prisoners, highlighted concerns about overcrowding, violence, deaths and drugs.