Are uPVC Door Locks really secure?
The answer to this is Yes and No! Double-glazing salesmen will swear black is white that the multi-point locks on uPVC doors are the their locks on the market – usually while pointing out the array of roller-bolts, hook bolts and dead locks on the door edge.
Unfortunately, a weakness in the whole system is the lock cylinder where you put your key. This will, in most cases, be the cheapest possible – and lowest cost equals lowest security – lock cylinder that the double-glazing company can get hold of. You’ll probably be surprised to learn that their trade price is around £1.50 – if you are lucky! This means that the hardware which really controls entry to your house is about the same value as a supermarket sandwich!
Police in West Yorkshire have said that since 2009 there has been an increase in break-ins where burglars use force to break the lock to gain entry [20 February 2012].
The technique is known as ‘lock snapping.’ Using this method, burglars manage to break the cylinder in two by applying force.
Police said that this type of burglary now counted for 27 per cent of incidents in West Yorkshire.
‘Lock snapping’ is most common with euro cylinder locks, which are reportedly fitted to millions of homes across the country.
Police urged residents to seek crime prevention advice from them if necessary.
These cheap cylinders offer no protection against lock picking, no protection against bump keys, being drilled open, lock snapping or other forced entry. They also offer NO protection against unauthorised copying of your keys.
We strongly recommended that you fit an upgraded cylinder – even our most basic lock cylinder is probably more secure than your current lock. We offer the highest rated and most secure lock cylinders for uPVC doors of any locksmith in Cheadle as upgrades, with key duplication protection as standard on all our high-security range.
Call 0161 6694597 for more details and to arrange a fitting.
Cheadle Locksmith 