There have been a variety of reports within the press and on television recently about a weakness within the locks on UPVC doors. In some areas of the UK, notably West Yorkshire, Police are reporting that this weakness is clearly being exploited by thieves.
This is a growing issue throughout the country. No unique tools are required along with a burglar can break these Euro Profile Cylinders in a matter of seconds and while we know the strategies employed, we will not disclose them in any detail, as a precaution against "copy-cat" burglaries.
This type of lock is commonly recognized as an Euro Profile Cylinder and is employed worldwide on uPVC, PVCu, aluminium and some wooden doors. Nevertheless secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, it is the cylinder that's the vulnerable area. The cylinder is the component which enables key operation. If the cylinder is broken, the multi-point lock may be very easily opened in no time at all.
All major Lock Manufacturers are working tough to come across solutions to the dilemma.
At the moment, only two of the significant lock manufacturers have come up having a viable an answer. Both Squire and Mul-T-Lock have created a cylinder that still snaps, but it does so at a predetermined position which leaves the door secure. Mul-T-Lock have known as their cylinders 'Break Secure' and Squire's range is referred to as 'Snapsafe'
Despite the fact that these new cylinders are not guaranteed against all methods of attack on uPVC doors, they act as a deterrent by making it much much more difficult for burglars to gain access.
Some lock manufacturers, like Squire and ERA, are approaching the problem by offering cylinder security devices or cylinder enhancers. These metal surrounds are secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door deal with. ERA's solution is particularly beneficial as it sandwiches the door along with the cylinder in location, making it practically impossible to remove the broken cylinder.
Using these cylinder enhancers together with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder most likely is the most efficient remedy presently accessible.
To further reduce the possibility of forced entry, it is also of the utmost significance to ensure that a cylinder is the correct size and properly fitted.
A Euro Profile Cylinder really should only protrude 2-3mm beyond the door furniture. Often, when cylinders have been replaced, the wrong size replacement has been used and this makes the door even more vulnerable.
It really is a well known truth that burglars will generally select the easiest alternative!
To steer clear of becoming a victim of this sort of forced entry, check all door cylinders and, if necessary, upgrade to 'Break Secure' or 'SnapSafe' ranges.
Constantly deadlock doors whenever a house is empty, and fit a door chain to the primary door to use whenever you are at house. As an option to replacing the cylinders, think about fitting secondary bolts to uPVC doors in other parts of the home.
Probably the most prevalent approach of car theft is when burglars break into houses and steal the keys, so ensure that any keys (particularly auto keys) are hidden. Other simply removed valuables, for example jewellery, ought to not be left in exposed areas.
A safe can be a helpful addition to other techniques of security and an perfect location to maintain spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. These items are generally not just financially valuable but have a great sentimental value which is irreplaceable.
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