The Locksmith Journal Jul-Aug 2014 - Issue 33 | Page 61

PROUD SPONSORS OF THIS PAGE HARDWARE&SECURITY DHF welcomes BBC TV advice on lock snapping BBC TV has once again warned householders about criminals using lock snapping techniques to break into their homes. In its Crimewatch Roadshow programme on June 24, householders were advised to change their door lock Eurocylinders to 3 star TS 007 cylinders. TS 007 is a Kitemark cylinder standard developed by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Glass & Glazing Federation, in consultation with Secured by Design (the Association of Chief Police Officers’ crime prevention initiative), the British Standards Institution, and other leading industry organisations. Crimewatch Roadshow graphically demonstrated the vulnerability of Eurocylinders fitted to most domestic PVC-u and composite entrance doors. A representative from the crime prevention charity Community Action and Support Against Crime (CASAC) was filmed snapping a standard Eurocylinder in just 15 seconds using basic tools. He recommended householders should replace their Eurocylinders for TS 007 3 star cylinders which are readily available. THE INCIDENCE OF LOCK SNAPPING IS SPREADING FURTHER AFIELD Said Michael Skelding, DHF general manager and secretary (pictured): “BBC TV has once again drawn attention to the huge security risks being run by so many households that have insecure PVC-u and composite entrance doors. Lock snapping accounted for 40 percent of burglaries in West Yorkshire. This has been reduced to 25 percent thanks to the efforts of West Yorkshire Police and CASAC; however, the programme warned that the incidence of lock snapping is spreading further afield. “We are encouraged that the solution put forward in the TV program