Millions of homes across Britain are currently at risk because of a design weakness in door cylinder locks

The sight of a uPVC door on your home acts as a potent visual deterrent, as burglars know that these doors are more secure than their wooden counterparts as they are fitted with multipoint locks; a locking mechanism which secures the door at several points (from a basic 3 point, to the ultimate 7 to 10 point)
As a result of this, where an experienced burglar can force a wooden door in a matter of seconds the same potential burglar faced with a multipoint locking mechanism does not know where the door’s weak areas are - making the job 3 to 10 times more difficult
For this reason in the past homes fitted with uPVC doors with multipoint locks were unlikely to be targeted as they could not be as easily accessed

However, burglars are now using a bold, simple method of accessing these doors due to a design weakness in the door’s cylinder lock
For obvious reasons we are not detailing this but using basic tools burglars are able to exploit this weakness and once this has been achieved it doesn’t matter if the lock has 3, 5, 7 or 10 locking points - the burglar can open the door by simply pulling down the handle
The use of this method is currently increasing across Britain and needs to be addressed in order to maintain an acceptable level of security for many homes

Manufacturers are well aware of this and have devised a new style of cylinder lock which eliminates the weakness and prevents this method of entry being used
It is simply fitted to any uPVC door and requires no modification to the door or frame
We would recommend this simple security measure be taken as a preventative measure before the burglar next strikes
PLEASE call if you would like to discuss this more or would like this type of lock fitting

Home Security Tips

Consider changing all outside door locks when you move home
(why not take advantage of our moving home package)

Front door - should have a BS 3621 mortice lock fitted

Side and back doors - ideally fit a 5 lever BS 3621 mortice lock together with top and bottom key operated bolts

French windows / patio doors - fit appropriate locks to top and bottom of doors
Fit window locks to ground floor and upstairs windows
Consider having your glass upgraded to laminated, as it is extremely difficult to break and gain entry

If you have an intruder alarm, always make sure you activate it before you go out - many insurance companies will refuse to pay out if you are burgled and you did not activate an alarm

Keep your shed / outbuilding locked. Burglars will use YOUR tools to gain access to YOUR house
If you are going out for the evening close your curtains and leave a light on in the lounge & bedroom

DO lock all your doors and windows when you go out
DO fit passive infra red lighting to front and rear of house

DON'T leave door keys in visible or obvious places such as under the doormat
DON'T leave ladders or tools lying around
DON'T leave curtains & blinds drawn during the day - they will attract burglars

If you are going on holiday -
Cancel your milk and paper deliveries
Ask a neighbour to remove any post or newspapers left showing in your letterbox
Cut your lawn before you go on holiday

info@aandmlocksmiths.co.uk