The Locksmith Journal Nov-Dec 2016 - Issue 47 | Page 43

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HARDWARE & SECURITY • 43

SPOTLIGHT FALLS ON ATTACK-RESISTANT LOCKS AFTER SECURITY ROW

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A ROW OVER THE ONLINE SALE OF lock picks and other thieves ’ tools to the general public has accelerated interest amongst locksmiths and security professionals in locks that successfully resist attack .
Police chiefs have expressed concern over the ready availability of lock picks and similar devices and have criticised one leading online retailer for selling equipment that could encourage or facilitate crime .
In addition to lock picks , other types of equipment attractive to burglars , such as bump keys , are freely available from online retailers . There are also instruction manuals and videos demonstrating lock snapping and other methods of lock attack that can be downloaded from the internet .
This led to the development of a domestic door security standard designed to defeat lock attack - TS 007 . The BSI Kitemarked TS 007 three-star cylinder solution withstands five methods of lock attack : picking , drilling , snapping , bumping and plug extraction . A Kitemarked TS 007 cylinder is designed to replace the Eurocylinder typically used in locks found in domestic entrance doors made of PVCu and composite materials which form the bulk of domestic entrance doors in the UK .
DHF CEO , Bob Perry , said : “ The ability to purchase thieves ’ tools on the internet , and the opportunity to go online to learn lock attack methods , has been a concern to police , lock manufacturers and security professionals for some time . The online availability of lock picks just adds to the burglars ’ armoury of equipment they can obtain to attack door locks . TS 007 was a major industry initiative to meet these threats .
“ Locksmiths and security specialists are increasingly advising their clients to replace Eurocylinders with TS 007 rated cylinders and handles to provide a three-star domestic security solution .”
RISCAuthority , the insurance-backed organisation that supports best practice in the protection of property and business , has referenced TS 007 and other standards developed by the lock industry in their recent Guidance to Occupiers publication .
There is evidence , too , of increased awareness of the growing threat of lock attack amongst householders . They require locks and security devices that sport the familiar BSI Kitemark .
www . dhfonline . org . uk / security-ts007- what-protection . aspx .
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL . CO . UK | NOV / DEC 2016