Lock Snapping: Is Your Thanet Home Vulnerable? A Guide from Thanet Locksmiths
As your trusted local security experts in Thanet, we’ve seen various methods employed by burglars. One of the most prevalent and concerning techniques, particularly affecting modern homes, is lock snapping. While it sounds daunting, understanding this method is the first step towards effectively protecting your property.
What is Lock Snapping?
Lock snapping is a quick and surprisingly simple method of forced entry that exploits a vulnerability in many standard Euro cylinder locks. These are the types of locks commonly found in uPVC, composite, patio, and some aluminium or timber doors across the UK, including many homes in Thanet.
The technique involves applying a specific amount of force to the cylinder, causing it to snap at a weak point. Once snapped, the lock’s mechanism is compromised, allowing a burglar to easily manipulate it and gain entry to your property within seconds, often with minimal noise. Crucially, this method often requires no specialist tools, just common household items.
Why is Lock Snapping a Concern for Thanet Homeowners?
- Prevalence of Euro Cylinders: Euro cylinder locks are incredibly common in modern doors due to their ease of installation and relatively low cost. This widespread use makes them a prime target for criminals.
- Speed and Simplicity: The speed at which a door can be opened using lock snapping is alarming. What might seem like a secure locked door can be breached in a matter of seconds.
- Low Skill Requirement: Unlike traditional lock picking, lock snapping doesn’t require intricate skill; rather, it relies on brute force applied in a specific way to exploit the cylinder’s design.
- Often Silent: While some noise might be involved, a skilled burglar can perform a lock snap relatively quietly, especially compared to smashing a window.
How to Tell if Your Locks are Vulnerable
The simplest way to check for vulnerability to lock snapping is to examine your Euro cylinder lock.
- Does it protrude? If the cylinder visibly sticks out by more than a few millimetres (e.g., more than the thickness of a pound coin) beyond the door handle or escutcheon plate, it’s more susceptible to being gripped and snapped.
- Look for a Kitemark with specific ratings: While a standard BS EN 1303 kitemark indicates basic security, for snapping resistance, you need to look for additional accreditations:
- TS007 3-star rating: This is the highest star rating for a Euro cylinder and indicates excellent resistance to snapping, drilling, picking, and bumping.
- SS312 Diamond Standard: This is another highly regarded standard, certifying that the cylinder has passed rigorous tests, including resistance to snapping.
If your Euro cylinder lock does not have these specific anti-snap accreditations, your home could be at risk.
Protecting Your Thanet Home: The Anti-Snap Solution
The good news is that protecting your home from lock snapping is straightforward with the right upgrade:
- Install Anti-Snap Euro Cylinder Locks: These specially designed cylinders have built-in snap-off sections or reinforced components that prevent the lock from being fully compromised if attacked. Even if the outer part is snapped, the internal mechanism remains intact and secure, preventing access.
- Professional Installation: While the locks themselves are key, correct installation is paramount. A professional locksmith ensures the cylinder is correctly fitted and doesn’t protrude, maximising its security features.
At Thanet Locksmiths, we specialise in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities like lock snapping. We can:
- Assess Your Current Locks: We’ll conduct a free, no-obligation security survey of your property, checking all your doors to identify if your existing Euro cylinder locks are vulnerable.
- Recommend & Supply: We’ll advise you on the most suitable anti-snap cylinders that meet the highest security standards (TS007 3-star or SS312 Diamond) for your specific doors.
- Expert Installation: Our experienced and DBS-checked locksmiths will professionally install your new anti-snap locks, ensuring optimal security and compliance.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your Thanet home against lock snapping and gain true peace of mind.
Contact Thanet Locksmiths today to schedule your free security assessment and discuss upgrading to anti-snap locks.