The Locksmith Journal Mar-Apr 2014 - Issue 31 | Page 64

HARDWARE&SECURITY SPONSORED BY KEYPRINT Yale Alerts Homeowners to Lock Snapping Attacks Following the Watchdog programme, which highlighted the growing issue of burglary through this type of attack, security specialist Yale is advising homeowners to undertake a simple three-step plan to secure their homes. The star rating of any given product will be indicated above the Kitemark on the packaging, and it is up to the person fitting the furniture to ensure they have the correct combination of hardware to accumulate the three stars and comply with the standard. 1. Identify your lock cylinder Lock snapping is a worrying new trend where burglars apply force to the lock cylinder, rendering the lock useless. The locks most at risk of this type of attack are fitted with a Euro profile cylinder. These are found in the majority of PVC and composite doors installed in the last 15 years and operate in combination with a multipoint lock. So the first step is to identify your lock type. If you have a Euro cylinder, and if your door is more than a year or two old, move to step two. 3. Consider replacing your multipoint lock at the same time Regardless of lock snapping, Yale estimates that over one million multipoint locks will fail this year as they reach the end of their natural lifecycle. Telltale warning signs include the door handle drooping, jamming, feeling loose or making a ‘clunking’ sound when operated. Rather than go the expense of replacing the whole door, Yale’s Doormaster™ replacement multipoint lock range is a straightforward solution and offers a 10 year guarantee as well as the meeting the latest security standards. By following this simple three-step plan, Yale believes householders can simply and inexpensively protect their home and make sure they comply with the demands in their home insurance policies. For the best advice on protecting your home, Yale recommends householders consult their local Crime Reduction Officer, a qualified locksmith, a Yale Security Point professional installer or a Yale Doormaster expert for multipoint locks. 2. Replace your cylinder Homeowners should upgrade their cylinder to one that is specifically designed to prevent attack, ideally meeting the TS007 standard. This is a security standard that was introduced in response to the growing threat of burglary as criminals’ methods of breaking in to homes become more sophisticated. The standard uses a three star system in which the cylinder, or a combination of the cylinder and security furniture, must have an accumulative three stars to meet the minimum-security requirements. EXTENDING CONTACT CENTRE OPENING HOURS IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s biggest online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products to the trade, has made ordering the latest products from its range even easier by extending its customer call centre opening hours. The customer contact centre will now be open from 7am until 8pm, seven days a week, so tradesmen can place orders even earlier for next working day delivery. YOU OP ST R SHOP The IronmongeryDirect team will also be available to support customers with any enquiries they may have. Customers can order up to 8pm for fast next working day delivery and even up to 3pm on Sunday for Monday delivery, which is free for all orders over £45. Orders can be placed quickly and easily via the website or by calling the customer contact centre on freephone 0808 168 28 28. The entire range is covered by a free returns policy meaning any unsuitable items can be returned and refunded hassle-free. YOUR TRADE COUNTER NEEDS US! NWH1STOP - Double glazing repair specialist for all your counter supplies - Repair Locks - Gearboxes - Restrictors - Handles and more! Be