Europrofile locks on uPVC doors

wazza

Hope i have posted this in the right place.

How easy is it to break into the door locks fitted to uPVC double glazed doors? I believe the lock is called euro profile lock. Heard that the standard locks can either be snapped in half if it sticks out or if a correct blank key is used they can unlock the lock and enter the premise without any damage.

Is there any way of securing the door which is back of the house?

Richie-from-the-Boro

wazza wrote: »

Hope i have posted this in the right place.

How easy is it to break into the door locks fitted to uPVC double glazed doors? I believe the lock is called euro profile lock. Heard that the standard locks can either be snapped in half if it sticks out or if a correct blank key is used they can unlock the lock and enter the premise without any damage.

Is there any way of securing the door which is back of the house?

http://www.deenside.co.uk/deenside_catalogue.php?c=MOE&p=2923

cjw1981

Basically there are 4 ways of breaking into a euro cylinder lock:

1) Snapping the lock in half, removing it to access the mechanism inside the door
2) Drilling the lock out
3) Picking the lock (knowledge and specialist tools required)
4) Bumping the lock with a blank bump key (techique and correct bump key required)

The last two methods are hardly ever used by theives. They require training/practise and the correct tools. However if a high caliber criminal use these techniques to enter your property there will be no signs of forced entry which could result in no insurance payout.

By far the most common method is the first one, snapping the lock. Its quick and easy, requiring little knowledge and few tools.

There are a few high security euro profile locks on the market for upvc doors.

Squire make the Snapsafe Anti bump cylinder
Cisa make the Astral S Bump and Snap resistant cylinder

I am a locksmith and have used both types of lock in the past which I purchased online at upvc-hardware.co.uk

wazza

cjw1981 wrote: »

Basically there are 4 ways of breaking into a euro cylinder lock:

1) Snapping the lock in half, removing it to access the mechanism inside the door
2) Drilling the lock out
3) Picking the lock (knowledge and specialist tools required)
4) Bumping the lock with a blank bump key (techique and correct bump key required)

The last two methods are hardly ever used by theives. They require training/practise and the correct tools. However if a high caliber criminal use these techniques to enter your property there will be no signs of forced entry which could result in no insurance payout.

By far the most common method is the first one, snapping the lock. Its quick and easy, requiring little knowledge and few tools.

There are a few high security euro profile locks on the market for upvc doors.

Squire make the Snapsafe Anti bump cylinder
Cisa make the Astral S Bump and Snap resistant cylinder

I am a locksmith and have used both types of lock in the past which I purchased online.

could you give us the website where you purchase your locks from? or pm me.

John_Gray

All the real-life Cops programmes on TV seem to have little trouble smashing the front door of a house with what used to be called a battering ram, regardless of composition or locks. Some doors are staggeringly simply to break...

timbim_2

John_Gray wrote: »

All the real-life Cops programmes on TV seem to have little trouble smashing the front door of a house with what used to be called a battering ram, regardless of composition or locks. Some doors are staggeringly simply to break...

But then that does leave signs of forced entry...

daveyjp

New handle:

http://www.handlestore.com/product_review.php?prd_id=59&cat_id=5

Cylinder lock to PAS24

http://security.ingersollrand.com/bumpandsnap/products/AstralS24/Pages/default.aspx

And if the door can be left locked (i.e. you don't exit from the door) a pair of sash jammers can be fitted - these are uselful anyway for locking the door when you are in without the need for a key.

http://www.choiceful.com/choiceful-id-13466-Era-White-Sash-Jammer-For-PVCU-Windows.html

John_Gray

timbim wrote: »

But then that does leave signs of forced entry...

Well, you can't have everything!

wazza

When i order the locks for the door shall i give them my home address or my friend's address for delivery? Just thinking if someone has the key details etc etc

ToughLocks

If you can give a friend's address it would be better but then again if you order off a reputable locksmith, your security should be safe and you shouldn't have any worries over them abusing the key details.

Two problems can arise with keys and one is if you buy a lock from an auction type site from a private seller rather than a reputable established company, as there is a remote chance that they might keep your key details for future reference. The second more likely problem is if you lend your key to a dodgy tradesman and they get a copy cut from a key booth or hardware store.

Getting back to the original post, there are several anti-snap type cylinders on the market and the best in my opinion are the Cisa Astral S and the ABS Avocet, which both provide higher levels of security than many so called snap safe locks. If you are really worried about door security you can also buy PAS24 replacement handles which have a built in escutcheon and prevent access to the lock cylinder in the first place.
Like everything in life though you get what you pay for so look for handles that are creditted with the police initiative 'Secured by Design' approval

Hope this helps

bribrian

The euro cylinders for UPVC doors are offset & come in different lengths, you could try a shorter length one so as it can't be gripped by vise-grips on the outside & therefore can't be snapped in half..............