Research shows that the route of entry for 73% of UK burglaries is through the front door.
Most homeowners attempt to secure their homes from burglars by focusing on obvious access points such as windows, outbuildings, and garages.
And while it’s essential to do this, many people miss the most obvious and often-used access point to their home.
They assume that their front door is secure, given that it’s always locked.
In truth, many doors are not as sturdy as they seem. After all, a door is only as strong as the lock securing it to the frame.
In many cases, locks are weak, in need of repair or replacement, and easily snapped by burglars.
You might have heard of cylinder snapping or lock bumping which are both terms for lock snapping. This is the method commonly used by burglars to break into a property that has a euro cylinder.
Euro cylinders lock are found on almost all properties that have UPVC doors, although a significant number of composite & aluminium doors use them too. Even many modern doors use this lock type.
If your door has a euro cylinder lock, you could be more vulnerable than you think.
In order to break a euro cylinder lock, burglars simply smash through a part of the door lock to loosen it. And doors with multi-locking points aren’t any less safe, as the ENTIRE locking mechanism is governed by that one weak cylinder.
In addition, the material holding the lock in place is often flimsy and offers little resistance to a heavy blow. Once this material is snapped, burglars can gain access to the door mechanism and open the door easily.
This method of intrusion doesn’t require in-depth knowledge, technique, or tools – just the ability to hit a lock hard.
Scarily, this method has become the UK’s most popular method of home intrusion.
There is a simple solution. Many locks now are built, fitted and approved to survive this type of attack. However, it’s essential to choose the right size and type and have locks securely fitted.
If you’re keen to secure your home, contact professionals who can advise you about the best methods and products for your property.
