There has been a small spate in burglary offences in the Chiltern District where criminals have used an instrument to drill out rear/patio door locks. These types of locks are believed to be euro cylinder locks which are generally found on uPVC doors. This way of gaining entry is called “lock snapping” a term used to describe the ability to damage/break the internal mechanism of the Euro profile lock, allowing potential criminals to gain entry.

Lock snapping has been an issue in the past and in other areas but now we have seen a small increase in this type of offence. Over a number of years, police have worked in partnership with lock manufacturers who have worked to address lock vulnerabilities, designing and testing a new standard lock, known as TS 007. Some locks have also been awarded a Sold Secure diamond standard of SS312.

If you would like further advice on whether your door needs an upgraded lock to ensure it is up to the current standard, please seek advice from the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) who can be found at www.locksmiths.co.uk. Their website contains a section on cylinder lock vulnerability and you can search for a local affiliated locksmith. Alternatively call the MLA on 0800 783 14 98 (08:30 – 17:00 Mon-Fri).

Standards you can discuss with your locksmith:

• If replacing your locks on your UPVC door: we recommend locks certificated to TS 007 and Sold Secure revised diamond standard of SS312. This Standard has been recognised as currently being one of the hardest attack tests for euro profile cylinders.
• If replacing your uPVC or wooden door: we recommend door certificated to the British standard PAS 24:2012

We would also like to encourage anyone who sees any suspicious activity to contact Thames Valley Police on 101.