source: http://www.lincs.police.uk/News-Centre/News-Releases-2012/21-02-2012-Lock-Snapping.html
Police Advice on Lock Snapping
As a direct result of the BBC Inside Out programme aired Monday 20 February 2012 Lincolnshire Police have issued the following information.
What is Lock snapping ?
As the title would suggest this is where the lock cylinder is literally snapped into two by applying torque i.e. force to the cylinder.
There are a number of ways and also tools to enable this to be done suffice to say that double euro cylinder lock due to their design, are inherently weak at the centre. Thieves have taken advantage of this lock and devised numerous 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.
It is estimated that over 22 million doors across the UK could be at risk from a method of attack where the lock cylinder can be broken in just five seconds.
Although for obvious reasons the exact tools or methods used by burglars to snap the Euro-Profile (or European Profile) style cylinder should not be revealed, knowledge of how to do so is widespread and has been increasingly used nationally.
Lincolnshire though is one of the safest counties to live in and the numbers of this method type of burglary is minimal compared to other areas.
No matter how secure the locking mechanism is it can easily be overcome once the cylinder has been removed and many burglars know they can easily defeat conventional cylinders in seconds, using simple everyday tools.
This threat can be considerably reduced simply by upgrading the cylinder to one that is specifically designed to prevent this method of attack and we recommend that all vulnerable doors using Euro-Profile cylinders be upgraded to incorporate ‘Break Secure’ cylinders.
Anti Snap Cylinders
Anti Snap cylinders, are specifically designed to combat the growing threat of unauthorised entry whereby the criminals ‘snap’ the Euro-Profile style cylinder commonly fitted to most uPVC and Patio doors.
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.
Solution
A qualified locksmith can offer a full installation and upgrade service to meet your needs; or a replacement anti snap 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.
read more.. http://www.lincs.police.uk/News-Centre/News-Releases-2012/21-02-2012-Lock-Snapping.html
Abbey Locksmiths now able offer replacement Yale British Standard ‘Anti Snap’ euro cylinders for any type upvc door, wooden door or aluminium door. Please contact us on 0800 052 0775 for a free quote.
