'Burglar bots' will slip in the letter box

'The frightening prospect is just one area in which scientists and police believe AI could be used by criminals to exploit people in the future.' Stock photo

Martin Evans

For many homeowners, the traditional way to protect against burglars has been to ensure doors and windows are locked and perhaps leave a light on.

But such gestures might prove futile in years to come after scientists warned that the next generation of home invaders could be robots that are programmed to gain entry through cat flaps or letter boxes.