The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word LOOMS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
L
O
O
M
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Luddites used to wreck these/towers" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case luddites used to wreck these/towers = looms.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LOOMS mean?
LOOMS noun- A utensil; tool; a weapon; (usually in compound) an article in general.
- A frame or machine of wood or other material, in which a weaver forms cloth out of thread; a machine for interweaving yarn or threads into a fabric, as in knitting or lace making.
- The part of an oar which is between the grip or handle and the blade, the shaft.
- Loon (bird of order Gaviiformes)
- A distorted appearance of something as seen indistinctly or from afar.
- To appear indistinctly, eg. when seen on the horizon or through the murk.
- To appear in an exaggerated or threatening form; to be imminent.
- To rise and to be eminent; to be elevated or ennobled, in a moral sense.