Make Sure Your Loved Ones Are Safe This Christmas

There have been a number of reports in the press and on television recently about a weakness in 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 problem throughout the country. No special tools are needed and a burglar can break these euro-profile cylinders in a matter of seconds and although we know the methods used we will not disclose these methods in any detail, as a precaution against “copy-cat" burglaries.

This type of lock is used worldwide in aluminium, wooden or uPVC conservatory door locks. However secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, it is the cylinder that is the vulnerable area. The cylinder is the part which allows key operation. If the cylinder is broken, the multi-point lock can be easily opened in no time at all.

All major Lock Manufacturers are working hard to find solutions to the problem.

At the moment, only two of the major lock manufacturers have come up with a viable a solution. Both Squire and Mul-T-Lock have designed a cylinder that still snaps, but 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 called ‘SnapSafe’.

Although these new cylinders are not guaranteed against all methods of attack on uPVC doors, they act as a deterrent by making it much more difficult for burglars to gain access.

These lock 'barrels' are inexpensive and can be easily fitted in under 5 minutes. Watch the measure your cylinder video to see how to measure your existing cylinder and the Break Secure cylinder replacement video to see how to fit a replacement Break Secure cylinder and download the accompanying Euro-profile cylinder size guide.

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 and the cylinder in place, making it almost impossible to remove the broken cylinder.

Using these cylinder enhancers together with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder probably is the most effective solution currently available.

To further reduce the possibility of forced entry, it 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 used and this makes the door even more vulnerable

It is a well known fact that burglars will always choose the easiest option!

To avoid becoming a victim of this type of forced entry, check all door cylinders and, if necessary, upgrade to ‘Break Secure’ or ‘SnapSafe’ ranges.

uPVC/Patio Door Lock Multipoint Mechanism Replacement

Although Christie Intruder Alarms is famous across the the South of England as an installer of burglar alarms, fire alarms, CCTV, etc, CIA also specialise in the supply and replacement of double-glazed uPVC and composite doors and windows including multipoint locking mechanisms. If a replacement is required and we do not have it within our own extensive stock then we can usually source and quickly obtain direct from the manufacturer.

To establish which type of multipoint lock replacement to buy for your uPVC/patio or conservatory doors you will first need to establish identification of multipoint lock your doors already have fitted.

Alternatively it is often possible to replace the lock with a universal multipoint mechanism which will often upgrade and improve the security over and above that of the original.

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

The most common method of car theft is when burglars break into houses and steal the keys, so make sure that any keys (particularly car keys) are hidden. Other easily removed valuables, such as jewellery, should not be left in exposed areas.

A safe is a useful addition to other methods of security and an ideal place to keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. These items are often not just financially valuable but have a great sentimental value which is irreplaceable.

For advice on all aspects of physical security, contact a reputable MLA locksmith. If a locksmith belongs to the MLA (Master Locksmith Association), he has to have undertaken and passed an independently assessed BLI examination. Every approved Company has to undergo stringent, regular inspections to ensure that these high standards of workmanship and administration are maintained. As well, all MLA members conform to legal requirements and follow a customer charter which means that they are qualified and competent to carry out all aspects of the Locksmith trade.

By: Antony Christie

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CIA are the UK's leading security company. We are actively helping to beat the current upvc door lock snapping epidemic. Insure your upvc lock cylinder is a Mul-T-Lock Break Secure cylinder.