Exterior Door Repair
There have been quite a few reports within the press and on television recently about a weakness inside 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 dilemma throughout the country. No unique tools are needed and a burglar can break these Euro Profile Cylinders in a matter of seconds and while we know the strategies used, we won’t disclose them in any detail, as a precaution against “copy-cat” burglaries.
This sort of lock is commonly recognized as a Euro Profile Cylinder and is used worldwide on uPVC, PVCu, aluminium and some wooden doors. Having said that secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, it’s the cylinder which is the vulnerable area. The cylinder will be the component which allows key operation. If the cylinder is broken, the multi-point lock may be very easily opened in no time at all.
All main Lock Manufacturers are working tough to uncover solutions to the issue.
At the moment, only two of the key lock manufacturers have come up having a viable a solution. Both Squire and Mul-T-Lock have created a cylinder that still snaps, however it does so at a predetermined position which leaves the door secure. Mul-T-Lock have referred to as their cylinders ‘Break Secure’ and Squire’s range is called ‘Snapsafe’
While these new cylinders aren’t guaranteed against all strategies of attack on uPVC doors, they act as a deterrent by making it much far more challenging for burglars to gain access.
Some lock manufacturers, for instance Squire and ERA, are approaching the dilemma by offering cylinder security devices or cylinder enhancers. These metal surrounds are secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA’s answer is particularly beneficial as it sandwiches the door as well as the cylinder in location, making it nearly impossible to remove the broken cylinder.
Making use of these cylinder enhancers together having a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder probably is the most successful remedy presently available.
To further decrease the possibility of forced entry, it is also of the utmost importance to make sure that a cylinder is the correct size and properly fitted.
A Euro Profile Cylinder will need to only protrude 2-3mm beyond the door. Generally, when cylinders have been replaced, the wrong size replacement has been used and this makes the door even additional vulnerable.
It’s a well recognized reality that burglars will often pick the easiest option!
To steer clear of becoming a victim of this sort of forced entry, check all door cylinders and, if required, upgrade to ‘Break Secure’ or ‘SnapSafe’ ranges.
Normally deadlock doors whenever a house is empty, and fit a door chain to the main door to make use of whenever you are at residence. As an alternative to replacing the cylinders, contemplate fitting secondary bolts to uPVC doors in other parts of the home.
Probably the most widespread approach of car theft is when burglars break into houses and steal the keys, so be certain that any keys (particularly auto keys) are hidden. It doesn’t matter that you have insurance. Other easily removed valuables, like jewellery, really should not be left in exposed areas.
A secure is really a useful addition to other techniques of security and an ideal place to maintain spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. These items are normally not just financially valuable but have a great sentimental value which is irreplaceable.
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