The Locksmith Journal Mar/Apr 2020 - Issue 67 | Page 16

Industry News The unexpected crime stoppers How secure windows and doors can reduce burglaries » BURGLARS ARE MODERNISING their tactics. From using conventional lock picking tools, some are now using industrial strength equipment, such as blowtorches, to gain access to homes. However, 74 per cent of burglars actually enter a property through the front door. Regardless of how imposters gain access, it’s vital not only for homeowners to evaluate the security of their house, but for locksmiths to understand the points of entry and how to secure them, starting with the windows and doors. Here, Nick Cowley, managing director at windows and doors manufacturer Euramax, explains more. According to a poll by Thomas Sanderson, it is reported that 40 per cent of British homeowners have some form of security camera installed on their property. Although 91 per cent of participants stated that their reason for installing a camera is “to deter criminals”, surprisingly a third of UK homeowners still don’t double lock their back doors. With this in mind, it’s important for locksmiths to remind homeowners of the ways their homes can be targeted. Door material While there are many different forms of security available to help deter criminals, these actions become irrelevant if a property’s windows and doors are made from a weak material. Although PVCu has been a popular fenestration material for many years, composite windows and doors are increasing in demand. In addition to the aesthetic potential that composite windows and doors offer, the material boasts a higher strength than PVCu due to an internal composite core, which is difficult to break – making composite doors stronger and more durable in the event that a burglar tries to gain access. 16 Open windows If the burglar isn’t entering a property through the front door, then open windows are often the next target. Throughout the summer, homeowners often open windows to let cooler air in, but this provides a simple is an easy route for burglars to gain entry. To reduce the likelihood of your home being burgled, it’s important to remember that burglars often monitor homeowner’s routines and take note if there is a specific time of the day that the windows are left open. Security grilles should be specified to surround windows and doors to restrict entry from outside, while still letting air and light in. On the other hand, SMART sensors are highly recommended as the sensors are programmed to send alerts to your phone if a window is left open and you leave the property. Lock snapping Despite the fact that locks are the one element of our windows and doors that provide the security we need to feel safe in our homes, they are usually the first target for a burglar. Old, worn or poorly fitted locks can be a huge vulnerability on a home as they are easier to break. To prevent locks from being damaged, snapped or removed, it’s advised to ensure that when buying or replacing a new lock, it meets British Standards requirements. In particular, being TS007 (three stars) and SS312 Star Diamond Sold Secure rated means that a lock can be classed as an ‘anti-snapping’ lock. This may be ‘old news’ to locksmiths, but to homeowners who have possibly never purchased a lock before, it is important for installers to understand how to explain this to them without taking for granted that they already know about standards and their requirements. Although anti-snapping locks are most commonly attached to PVCu doors, they can also be fitted to wooden, aluminium and composite doors to meet customer preferences, so will represent a high volume of sales to your customers. It’s critical that homeowners evaluate the security of their windows and doors to prevent and deter criminal behaviour. By considering security features and selecting locks that meet British Standards requirements, homeowners could significantly help to increase the security of their home and decrease the percentage of criminals literally walking in through the front door. Therefore, it’s vital to take the time to explain to your customers the importance of secure windows and doors. Not only could this add extra value to your service and more profit to your job, but help to keep your customers safe too. www.euramaxuk.com MAR/APR 2020 locksmithjournal.co.uk Issue Takeover Magazine Sponsor