There have been many press reports and on tv just recently about a weak point in the locks on UPVC doors. In some UK areas, significantly West Yorkshire, police report that thieves are exploiting this weakness.
This is an increasing problem all across the country. No special tools are needed, and an intruder can break these Euro Profile Cylinders in a matter of seconds. Although we know the techniques utilized, we will not reveal them in detail as a preventative measure against “copy-cat” break-ins.
This type of lock is frequently referred to as a Euro Profile Cylinder and is utilized worldwide on uPVC, PVCu, aluminum, and some wood doors. Yet secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, it is the cylinder that is the weak area. The cylinder is the part that permits essential operation. If the cylinder is crushed, the multi-point lock can be opened in no time at all.
All major Lock Manufacturers are striving to discover options to the problem.
At the moment, just two of the significant lock makers have developed a practical solution. Both Squire and Mul-T-Lock have developed a cylinder that still snaps, but it does so at a fixed position, which leaves the door safe and secure. Mul-T-Lock has called their cylinders ‘Break Secure,’ and Squire’s range is called ‘Snapsafe.’.
Although these brand-new cylinders are not ensured versus all attack approaches on uPVC doors, they function as a deterrent by making it a lot more challenging for intruders to access.
Some lock makers, such as Squire and ERA, are approaching the issue using cylinder security devices or cylinder enhancers. These metal surrounds are secured to the current cylinder below the door deal. PERIOD’s option is especially advantageous 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 and a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder is the most efficient option presently readily available.
To further reduce the possibility of a break-in, it is also essential to guarantee that a cylinder is the proper size and appropriately fitted.
A Euro Profile Cylinder needs to protrude 2-3mm beyond the door furniture. Frequently, when cylinders have been changed, the incorrect size replacement has been utilized, making the door a lot more susceptible.
It is a widely known truth that intruders will continuously pick the most convenient alternative!
To avoid ending up being a victim of this type of forced entry, examine all door cylinders and, if needed, upgrade to ‘Break Secure’ or ‘SnapSafe’ ranges.
Whenever a house is empty, constantly deadlock doors and fit a door chain to the direct entry to use when you are at place. As an option to replacing the cylinders, consider doing secondary bolts to uPVC doors in other parts of your home.
The most typical cars and truck theft approach is when robbers get into houses and take the secrets, so ensure that any secrets (particularly car keys) are hidden. Other easily eliminated prized possessions, such as precious jewelry, should not be left in exposed locations.
A safe is a helpful addition to other security approaches and an ideal place to keep extra secrets, passports, jewelry, cams, and so on. These products are frequently not just economically valuable but have a terrific nostalgic value that is irreplaceable.
For guidance on all aspects of physical security, call a trustworthy locksmith professional. If a locksmith professional comes from the MLA (Master Locksmith Association), he has carried out and passed a separately evaluated BLI examination. Every approved Company needs to undergo rigorous, routine evaluations to guarantee that these high craft and administration standards are maintained. All MLA members comply with legal requirements and follow a consumer charter, which suggests that they are qualified and qualified to carry out all Locksmith trade aspects.