There have been a number of reports in 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 can be a growing dilemma throughout the country. No special tools are required and a burglar can break these Euro Profile Cylinders in a matter of seconds and though we know the approaches utilized, we won't disclose them in any detail, as a precaution against "copy-cat" burglaries.

This kind of lock is commonly recognized as an 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 really is the cylinder which is the vulnerable area. The cylinder is the part which makes it possible for key operation. If the cylinder is broken, the multi-point lock could be simply opened in no time at all.

All main Lock Manufacturers are working difficult to uncover solutions to the difficulty.

At the moment, only two of the main lock manufacturers have come up with a viable an answer. 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 called their cylinders 'Break Secure' and Squire's range is known as 'Snapsafe'

While these new cylinders are not guaranteed against all strategies of attack on uPVC doors, they act as a deterrent by making it a lot a lot more hard for burglars to gain access.

Some lock manufacturers, such as 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 handle. ERA's solution is particularly beneficial as it sandwiches the door plus the cylinder in location, making it practically impossible to remove the broken cylinder.

Utilizing these cylinder enhancers together having a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder almost certainly is the most effective solution currently offered.

To further decrease the possibility of forced entry, it really is also of the utmost importance to ensure that a cylinder is the correct size and properly fitted.

A Euro Profile Cylinder should only protrude 2-3mm beyond the door furniture. Often, when cylinders have been replaced, the wrong size replacement has been utilized and this makes the door even far more vulnerable.

It really is a well known truth that burglars will generally choose the easiest choice!

To prevent becoming a victim of this type of forced entry, check all door cylinders and, if important, upgrade to 'Break Secure' or 'SnapSafe' ranges.

Always deadlock doors whenever a home is empty, and fit a door chain to the most important door to use whenever you are at home. As an alternative to replacing the cylinders, contemplate fitting secondary bolts to uPVC doors in other parts of the house.

Probably the most typical approach of vehicle theft is when burglars break into houses and steal the keys, so ensure that any keys (particularly vehicle keys) are hidden. Other easily removed valuables, like jewellery, must not be left in exposed areas.

A safe is really an useful addition to other methods of security and an perfect location to keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. These items are typically not just financially valuable but have an excellent sentimental value which is irreplaceable.