The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) was recently involved in the production of a feature for BBC TV’s ‘Inside Out’ programme (shown on 22nd February).
The programme highlighted the use of lock-snapping techniques on euro locks, a method of entry about which West Yorkshire Police in particular, has expressed concern. The technique first emerged in Bradford and now accounts for 27 percent of all burglaries across the force area.
The MLA – which has worked closely with West Yorkshire Police for some time – said that taking special care on what was actually filmed, it was able to highlight to the BBC film crew how this relatively simple and quick method is not something to fear, but an issue the public needs to be aware of. MLA urged any concerned householders to call their local MLA licensed locksmith to perform a security survey to see whether their property is susceptible to this particular method.
The problem can be easily solved, says the MLA, by fitting a Sold Secure Diamond Approved Cylinder. This has the approval of West Yorkshire Police.
The MLA pointed out that whilst a new British Standard has just been launched (TS 007), renowned security product test and approval company Sold Secure has had a standard for more than 12 months that deals with this particular issue, and a number of products have already been tested and approved to the Sold Secure Cylinder Diamond standard.
West Yorkshire Police described the introduction of TS 007 as a “significant step forward in addressing the vulnerability associated with this type of crime.”
Chief Superintendent Paul Money said, “What we want to do is ensure that the new British standard locks are a lot stronger and can resist attack. These locks are vulnerable to this type of attack but it can take between 50 seconds and two minutes to force the lock.”
But the Force points out that 40% of euro-cylinder offences during the 2010-11 period were in fact attempts and no entry was gained by the offender.
Euro locks are fitted to millions of UK properties, usually PVCu and other double glazed doors.
Ex-burglar Peter Findlay said snapping the lock was “simpler and quicker”.
Mr Findlay, who now works with police to help them with crime prevention tactics, told the BBC’s Inside Out programme: “If I had the best lock picks in England I wouldn’t bother using them, I’d just snap the lock.”
Ex-burglar Peter Findlay said snapping the lock was “simpler and quicker”.
Mr Findlay, who now works with police to help them with crime prevention tactics, told the BBC’s Inside Out programme: “If I had the best lock picks in England I wouldn’t bother using them, I’d just snap the lock.”
Protective handles and hardware are also being tested to TS 007 standards and manufacturers are currently designing products to be put forward for testing which it is hoped will be conducted as quickly as possible.
One of the aims of the MLA is for the Police to recognise the standards the Association sets on the licensing and inspection of its member locksmithing companies, and regard these standards in the same light as they do the NSI and SSAIB, governing alarms.
Positive support at a national level by several industry organisations including the MLA, ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) Secured by Design, the British Standards Institute, the Door & Hardware Federation and the Glass & Glazing Federation have all been instrumental in driving the change to testing methods and the introduction of the new standard for euro-cylinder locks – TS 007.