| There have been a number of reports in the | | | | Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder probably is the |
| press and on television recently about a | | | | most effective solution currently available. |
| weakness in the locks on UPVC doors. In some | | | | To further reduce the possibility of forced entry, |
| areas of the UK, notably West Yorkshire, Police | | | | it is also of the utmost importance to ensure that |
| are reporting that this weakness is clearly being | | | | a cylinder is the correct size and properly fitted. |
| exploited by thieves. | | | | A Euro Profile Cylinder should only protrude |
| This is a growing problem throughout the country. | | | | 2-3mm beyond the door furniture. Often, when |
| No special tools are needed and a burglar can | | | | cylinders have been replaced, the wrong size |
| break these Euro Profile Cylinders in a matter of | | | | replacement has been used and this makes the |
| seconds and although we know the methods | | | | door even more vulnerable. |
| used, we will not disclose them in any detail, as a | | | | It is a well known fact that burglars will always |
| precaution against "copy-cat" burglaries. | | | | choose the easiest option! |
| This type of lock is commonly known as a Euro | | | | To avoid becoming a victim of this type of |
| Profile Cylinder and is used worldwide on uPVC, | | | | forced entry, check all door cylinders and, if |
| PVCu, aluminium and some wooden doors. | | | | necessary, upgrade to ‘Break Secure' or |
| However secure or elaborate the multi-point | | | | ‘SnapSafe' ranges. |
| locking mechanism is, it is the cylinder that is the | | | | Always deadlock doors whenever a house is |
| vulnerable area. The cylinder is the part which | | | | empty, and fit a door chain to the main door to |
| allows key operation. If the cylinder is broken, the | | | | use when you are at home. As an alternative to |
| multi-point lock can be easily opened in no time at | | | | replacing the cylinders, consider fitting secondary |
| all. | | | | bolts to uPVC doors in other parts of the house. |
| All major Lock Manufacturers are working hard to | | | | The most common method of car theft is when |
| find solutions to the problem. | | | | burglars break into houses and steal the keys, so |
| At the moment, only two of the major lock | | | | make sure that any keys (particularly car keys) |
| manufacturers have come up with a viable a | | | | are hidden. Other easily removed valuables, such |
| solution. Both Squire and Mul-T-Lock have | | | | as jewellery, should not be left in exposed areas. |
| designed a cylinder that still snaps, but it does so | | | | A safe is a useful addition to other methods of |
| at a predetermined position which leaves the door | | | | security and an ideal place to keep spare keys, |
| secure. Mul-T-Lock have called their cylinders | | | | passports, jewellery, cameras etc. These items |
| ‘Break Secure' and Squire's range is called | | | | are often not just financially valuable but have a |
| ‘Snapsafe' | | | | great sentimental value which is irreplaceable. |
| Although these new cylinders are not guaranteed | | | | For advice on all aspects of physical security, |
| against all methods of attack on uPVC doors, | | | | contact a reputable locksmith. If a locksmith |
| they act as a deterrent by making it much more | | | | belongs to the MLA (Master Locksmith |
| difficult for burglars to gain access. | | | | Association), he has to have undertaken and |
| Some lock manufacturers, such as Squire and | | | | passed an independently assessed BLI |
| ERA, are approaching the problem by offering | | | | examination. Every approved Company has to |
| cylinder security devices or cylinder enhancers. | | | | undergo stringent, regular inspections to ensure |
| These metal surrounds are secured to the | | | | that these high standards of workmanship and |
| existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA's | | | | administration are maintained. As well, all MLA |
| solution is particularly beneficial as it sandwiches | | | | members conform to legal requirements and |
| the door and the cylinder in place, making it | | | | follow a customer charter which means that they |
| almost impossible to remove the broken cylinder. | | | | are qualified and competent to carry out all |
| Using these cylinder enhancers together with a | | | | aspects of the Locksmith trade. |
