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It is well known that in times of recession, the crime rate soars. It is also well known that burglars will always choose the easiest way to gain entry to a house and there have been a number of reports in the press and on television recently about a weakness in the locks on uPVC doors which thieves are exploiting.
Although particularly prevalent in certain areas of the UK, the Police have reported that this is a growing trend throughout the whole country.
Locks that are fitted with a Euro-profile cylinder are particularly vulnerable. Burglars need no special tools to break these cylinders and can do it in a matter of seconds.
The cylinder is the part of the lock which allows key operation. Euro-profile cylinders are used worldwide in uPVC, aluminium and even wooden door locks (most commonly in conservatories).
However secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, the cylinder is the vulnerable area. If the cylinder is broken, the multi-point locking mechanism can be easily opened in no time at all.
You can safeguard your home by replacing a Euro-profile cylinder with a Break Secure cylinder.
Although Break Secure cylinders are not guaranteed against all methods of attack on uPVC doors, they act as a major deterrent and make it much more difficult for burglars to gain access.
These lock 'barrels' are inexpensive and are easy to fit in less than 5 minutes. It is of the utmost importance, however, to ensur
e that a replacement cylinder is the correct size and properly fitted.
A cylinder should only protrude 2-3mm beyond the door furniture. Often, when cylinders have been replaced, the wrong size replacement has been used and this makes the door even more vulnerable.
There are videos the Internet that show how to measure your existing cylinder, to ensure you order the correct size, and how to fit a replacement Break Secure cylinder.
If using on a locksmith to do this, only use a MLA (Master Locksmith Association) accredited one. All MLA locksmiths have to undertake and pass an independently assessed BLI examination, and the company itself undergoes regular stringent inspections to ensure that the highest standards of workmanship and administration are maintained.
You can also take other simple precautions to safeguard your home against burglary. For example, always deadlock doors whenever the house is empty, and fit a door chain to the main door to use when you are at home.
Make sure that your keys are hidden - particularly car keys. The most common reason for car theft is when a burglar breaks into a house and steals the keys.
Do not leave easily removed valuables, such as jewellery or laptop computers, on show.
Consider fitting a safe. It is an ideal place to keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras, etc. Such items are often not just financially valuable but have a great sentimental value which is irreplaceable.
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