Did you know that more than one in 100 houses are burgled annually in the UK? That's 498 houses getting broken into each day! Break-ins and robberies are an unfortunate part of life, but this doesn't have to happen to you. There are many ways to reduce the likelihood of having your home broken into, but few are as effective as upgrading your door lock.
In this locksmith-approved guide by Lock & Key, we'll break down the ways that replacing your lock can prevent burglars from gaining entry to your house. We'll also list some of the best door locks to protect your home, as well as how you can go about finding the perfect fit. By learning about home security from locksmith approved sources, you can take proactive steps to prevent your home or business from getting targeted.
What is lock snapping?
Lock snapping refers to a method used by criminals to bypass door locks. This typically happens to homes with doors containing euro cylinder-style locks. Burglars can exploit cylinder locks because of a weak point found at the centre of the mechanism.
Lock snapping can be performed with everyday tools including screwdrivers, pliers, and cordless drills. The burglar can snap off the door handle, and once a tool is inserted, the cylinder can be snapped in two. It's very easy to pull out the pieces at this point, and the door can be opened from the outside.
Unfortunately, lock snapping requires virtually no locksmithing tools or specialised knowledge; a criminal can complete this technique in under 10 seconds using brute force. For this reason, it's imperative that you upgrade your locks to withstand these types of attacks.
Replacing your lock and protecting your home
The market for high-security locks has never been more diversified, meaning you can find the perfect fit for your door and property. You don't have to go overboard (unless you want to), but you should replace any cylinder locks in your home with anti-snap locks at the very least. There are many models and prices to choose from when selecting your lock, but let's go over a few basic styles:
Deadbolts
Deadbolts are an extremely common style of lock, and they provide a good deal of protection for their price. They work by using a solid metal bar to keep a door in the locked position. Deadbolts still use a cylinder, but the design doesn't allow for an easy snap. In fact, the cylinder could be snapped in two, but a burglar wouldn't be able to access the door in this case because the bolt would still be in place. These are great replacements for euro cylinders and tend to be less expensive than more sophisticated models.
Biometric and Digital Locks
These locks are great alternatives to common cylinder locks due to their advanced level of overall security. Biometric and digital locks can't be easily snapped or bypassed because the cylinder inside the device is covered by a digital display.
Digital locks can be operated via Bluetooth or with a digital pin pad, preventing burglars from opening a door unless they have access to the owner's smartphone app or door code. You can get an additional layer of security by installing biometric locks, as they can be locked and unlocked using your fingerprint or another form of biometric data.
Enhanced Doorknob Locks
You don't have to invest in anything fancy to get a better level of security. There are plenty of doorknob locks that come with anti-snap technology while still presenting as normal doorknob locks. Models like the Schlage SecureKey are affordable but provide significant advantages over common euro cylinders.
Replacing a Lock Yourself
These days, it's easy to look up videos that explain how to replace a lock yourself. Doing so can save money, but there are also some risks if you don't know what you're doing. While it's totally possible to replace a lock yourself, you should only attempt an installation if you have the right tools and feel confident about working on DIY projects with basic mechanisms.
Otherwise, don't risk damaging the lock or your doorway. Consider reaching out to a professional locksmith to assist with a lock replacement. Local companies, like Lock & Key, send out locksmiths who can complete lock installations of any size and type. Professional locksmiths can also help you pick out a lock that will fit your door while understanding your security priorities.
Does your lock meet the standards?
There are loads of door locks on the market right now, and trying to find the right model can be overwhelming. Luckily, there is a nationally recognised standard of quality for locks and security equipment. The British Standards Institution (BSI) is the UK's leading authority on lock quality and manufacturing standards. By purchasing a lock with approval from the BSI, you can be sure that you're getting a high-quality item. These items are usually theft and snap-resistant, and you can tell that an item is British Standard if it bears a kitemark on the exterior.
You'll notice that BSI locks are identified by a series of letters and numbers, each with its own style of lock. Here are some of the most common standards found in the UK, as well as what they signify:
BS3621 Standard
Almost undoubtedly, the BS3621 is the most common lock you'll find. These locks consist of a normal euro cylinder design, but they can resist burglary techniques like lockpicking and drilling. Because of these anti-theft abilities, BS3621 locks are insurance-approved.
BS8621 Standard
Another common lock is the BS8621 lock. The primary difference between this lock and other standard cylinders is the thumb turn that can be found on the interior-facing side. This feature allows users to quickly lock the door without needing a key.
BS10621 Standard
BS10621 locks are less commonly found but are quite powerful. They come with all of the anti-theft features found in both the BS3621 and BS8621 locks, but they can only be locked from the outside. Using these locks can be risky, as you could find yourself locked inside your building, but this function can benefit you if a burglar breaks in and finds themselves trapped.
PAS24 Standard
PAS stands for Product Assessment Specification, which is used to recognise products that meet the BSI's performance standards. PAS 24 locks come in a variety of styles, commonly found in a door lever design, and a "PAS 24:2022" mark can identify them on their exterior.
Secured By Design Certifications
Many entities and organisations certify safety standards for locks, including the UK Police. Secured by Design, or SBD, is the official UK Police security initiative tasked with improving building and property security in the country. Trust that the items found with this certification will hold up against most common burglar techniques. You can use the official Secured by Design website to search for specific locks, doors, and security systems that meet the rigorous standards set by the SBD team.
Replacing Your Lock to Meet Anti-Snap Standards
Unless you already have high-security locks in place for your home or business, it's a good idea to plan for solid lock replacements. Professional locksmiths recommend looking at your current locks to see if they're stamped with marks associated with lock standards. Any locks with a three-star ERA kitemark or an SS312 diamond stamp can remain in place, otherwise, a replacement is recommended to prevent your locks from being tampered with by criminals.
Final Thoughts
Lock snapping is incredibly common in the UK, but that doesn't mean that you have to become a victim. By investing in robust locks with anti-theft certifications, you can reduce the likelihood of your home or business getting broken into.
We recommend that you get an understanding of your current locks, as well as your vulnerabilities. Take a look at your current locks to see whether or not they can withstand a break-in attempt. For the locks that fail to meet the British Standards, consider what style and model of lock to replace them with. Remember that a professional locksmith can always be called to help you make informed decisions about your home's security measures. By taking proactive steps, you can feel comfortable in your home and confident in your overall security!