There have been a variety of reports in the press and on television recently about a weakness in the locks on UPVC doors. In some areas of the UK, especially West Yorkshire, Police are reporting that this weakness is plainly being exploited by thieves.
This is a growing issue throughout the nation. No special tools are needed and an intruder can break these Euro Profile Cylinders immediately and although we know the techniques used, we will not reveal them in any detail, as a precaution versus “copy-cat” robberies.
Safe or elaborate the multi-point locking system is, it is the cylinder that is the vulnerable area. If the cylinder is broken, the multi-point lock can be easily opened in no time at all.
All significant Lock Manufacturers are striving to find solutions to the issue.
At the minute, only 2 of the major lock manufacturers have developed a viable service. Both Squire and Mul-T-Lock have actually designed a cylinder that still snaps, but it does so at an established position which leaves the door safe and secure. Mul-T-Lock has actually called their cylinders ‘Break Secure’ and Squire’s range is called ‘Snapsafe.
These brand-new cylinders are not ensured versus all methods of attack on uPVC doors, they act as a deterrent by making it much tougher for intruders to gain access.
Some lock makers, such as Squire and ERA, are approaching the problem by using cylinder security gadgets or cylinder enhancers. These metal surrounds are secured to the existing cylinder below the door handle. AGE’s service is especially beneficial as it sandwiches the door and the cylinder in place, making it almost difficult to get rid of the broken cylinder.
Using these cylinder enhancers together with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder most likely is the most effective option presently available.
To further lower the possibility of forced entry, it is also of the utmost value to guarantee that a cylinder is the right size and effectively fitted.
A Euro Profile Cylinder ought to just extend 2-3mm beyond the door furnishings. Often, when cylinders have been changed, the incorrect size replacement has been used and this makes the door even more vulnerable.
It is a popular fact that burglars will constantly pick the simplest alternative!
To avoid ending up being a victim of this type of break-in, check all door cylinders and, if essential, upgrade to ‘Break Secure’ or ‘SnapSafe’ varieties.
Always deadlock doors whenever a house is empty, and fit a door chain to the main door to use when you are at home. As an alternative to changing the cylinders, consider fitting secondary bolts to uPVC doors in other parts of your house.
The most typical technique of car theft is when robbers break into houses and take the secrets, so make sure that any keys (particularly vehicle keys) are concealed. Other quickly eliminated valuables, such as jewelry, ought to not be left in exposed areas.
A safe is a helpful addition to other techniques of security and an ideal location to keep extra keys, passports, jewelry, video cameras, and so on. These products are frequently not simply financially important however have a terrific emotional worth which is irreplaceable.
If a locksmith professional belongs to the MLA (Master Locksmith Association), he has actually to have carried out and passed a separately assessed BLI evaluation. All MLA members adhere to legal requirements and follow a consumer charter which suggests that they are certified and qualified to carry out all aspects of the Locksmith trade.
If the cylinder is broken, the multi-point lock can be quickly opened in no time at all.
Both Squire and Mul-T-Lock have developed a cylinder that still snaps, but it does so at an established position which leaves the door safe and secure. Some lock producers, such as Squire and ERA, are approaching the problem by using cylinder security devices or cylinder enhancers. These metal surrounds are protected to the existing cylinder below the door handle. PERIOD’s service is particularly helpful as it sandwiches the door and the cylinder in place, making it nearly impossible to get rid of the broken cylinder.