French homeowner lays explosive traps for burglars

The explosives were actually discovered after a failed attempted break-in. Gendarmerie visited the property and promptly sent a bomb clearance team in via helicopter to diffuse the devices safely.

The 71-year-old resident of Yvignac-la-Tour, near Dinan, had set explosive traps around his property, and put up signs saying “Beware, traps”, with image of skulls on the exterior walls.

On the night of Sunday September 23, six burglars attempted to enter the property, but took flight after a car passed by the street.

When the gendarmerie arrived to investigate, officers discovered the traps.

The commune’s mayor, Jean-Luc Boissel, told local news source France Bleu Armorique: “The house was covered all over in traps. They were set in strategic places that could have seriously injured [any burglars].”

Mr Boissel added: “People in the commune often spoke about this house, saying that it was set up with traps, but we didn’t know if it was just a myth. Well, no - it turned out to be true.”

The house, which is in a rural area, is surrounded by trees and a high gate. The owner is said to be rarely seen in the town, with some rumours suggesting he may be a former private bodyguard.