Can a burglar snap your lock?

What is "lock snapping" ?

As the title would suggest, this is where a euro lock cylinder is literally snapped in two by applying force to the cylinder.

Thieves have devised methods of snapping these types of cylinders locks in a matter of seconds and still be able to operate the lock to open the door.       

This threat can be considerably reduced simply by upgrading the cylinder to one that is specifically designed to prevent this method of attack. We recommend that all vulnerable doors using Euro-Profile cylinders be upgraded to incorporate 'Break Secure' cylinders.

Euro cylinders are mainly fitted to uPVC doors but some aluminium and wooden doors also use this type of lock.

Solution

Break secure, or anti-snap cylinders, are specifically designed to combat lock-snapping.

A cylinder has been designed that although it will snap, it will snap in a predetermined position leaving intact a portion of the cylinder that will still provide security and still require key operation to open, thus preventing the easy manipulating of the locking system.

This is a photo of a break secure cylinder - the cylinder is designed to break leaving the centre locking mechanism still intact and working.

We work with a qualified locksmith who can offer a full installation and upgrade service to meet your needs; or a replacement break secure euro cylinder can be purchased from any recognised DIY store.

Replacement lock cylinders should meet all parts of the exacting British Standard Kitemark (BS EN 1303:2005) accreditation scheme.

A new standard, TS007, is due to be introduced later this year, look out for details of this in the media and online.

The Master Locksmiths' Association website  www.locksmiths.co.uk also provides a list of registered locksmiths who will be able to provide advice and information and give you practical help to ensure your locks are suitable.

The minimum recommendation for wooden doors is five-lever mortice locks which carry the British Standard BS3621.

If you have traditional Yale locks fitted to your doors, do not rely on this as the only method of security. You must fit other locks, preferably deadlocks and install an alarm

General home security

The security around your home starts at the perimeter of your property and ranges from security lighting, external movement sensors, sturdy locking gates, to removing valuables and attractive items from view. 

Check list

• All the doors and windows are locked - even if I'm only popping out for a minute.

• Door locks meet British standards

• Neither my house keys nor my car keys are in sight or easy reach of my windows or doors, and that I don't keep them in an obvious place in the house.

• Key-operated locks fitted to all the windows.

• A visible burglar alarm from The Alarming Man is turned on whenever I leave the house.

• My spare keys are not left outside, or in the garage or shed.

• Lights and radio are turned on by a timer for the evening when I'm out If it's dark outside I draw the curtains.

• If thieves get into the garden despite a good fence surrounding the house and the side gate padlocked, a sensor from The Alarming Man sets off the alarm.  The garden shed is also locked and has a sensor.

• No ladders or tools are outside, which could be used to get into the house.

• Valuables like laptops, handbags, jewellery can't be seen from the window.

• Cash or any documents with my name, address or other personal details (such as a bank statement or bill) that fraudsters could use are not left lying around

• When going on holiday, a friend or neighbour collects the post and put the bins out.

2 in 1 burglars

Some burglars are looking for your car keys so they can steal your car. Make it hard for thieves. Don't leave car keys where they are visible.

Visible burglar alarms are good, and outside lighting puts burglars off. But make sure that your security lights are positioned out of reach of a burglar, and that they don't disturb your neighbours. Your alarm should call keyholders or your phone to attend in case it goes off when you're not there.

Mark your property

Mark important and expensive possessions (such as your computer or DVD player) with your postcode and house number using special security marker pens. Keep a record of the make, model and serial numbers of all your electrical equipment for reference too. If the police recover them after a burglary, this record will be proof that they are stolen goods - and that they are yours.

Your can register your property on the national database Immobilise

Log on to www.immobilise.co.uk