Lock snapping is a common method used by burglars to break into homes, but it can be effectively prevented with the right measures. Here we will guide you through practical steps to enhance your door security, from installing anti-snap locks to reinforcing your door frame, ensuring your home remains safe and secure.
Lock snapping is a method of attack used by intruders who want to break into homes with ease and little disruption.
Euro cylinder locks, most commonly found on uPVC doors in homes across the UK, have become a key target for criminals using this technique.
Fortunately, the lock-snapping technique has seen a 7% decline since 2011, when lock-snapping burglaries were at a record high. This decline illustrates how effective it is to have anti-snap locks installed in your home.
In this blog, we look at the method of lock snapping, what it is, how and why intruders use this technique and security steps you can take to prevent it from happening to you.
What is lock snapping?
Lock snapping is when an intruder breaks into a property by snapping the door lock in two. Snapping the lock allows easy access into a person’s home.
The perpetrator breaks the lock cylinder in half by applying force to the lock and removes the outer part to expose the locking mechanism. Once exposed, the lock can be tampered with using simple household tools and unlocked.
How common is lock snapping?
The lock-snapping technique requires little skill and is completed in seconds, making it a common method for burglars to break into properties.
As mentioned in the introduction, lock snapping has been on a 7% decline since 2011, when anti-snap security standards were introduced. More comprehensive and reliable anti-snap products are now available. This portrays how beneficial it is to install anti-snap locks in our homes.
How long does lock snapping take?
Burglars will more likely use methods that draw the least amount of attention to themselves. A thief can break into a home by snapping the lock in as little as 5-10 seconds.
Euro cylinders are weak at the centre point, which is where both the cam and the screw-fixing hole meet. This makes it quick and easy for burglars to snap the lock in two. Watch this video to see how quickly a cylinder lock is snapped in 13 seconds.
How to protect your home against lock snapping
Now we know the risks of having inadequate cylinder locks on doors, we must ensure we protect our homes from lock-snapping burglaries as best we can. Take a look at these measures to protect your home and loved ones from a lock-snapping break-in.
Check euro cylinder locks are installed correctly
The first security measure to consider is ensuring you have reliable locks on your doors. Always check the euro cylinder lock to see if they fit correctly. If euro cylinder locks are fitted incorrectly, it is vulnerable to attack by a burglar.
If the length of the cylinder protrudes from the handle, the door will be at risk of lock snapping as it is easier to grip and snap. To get the correct length of the cylinder, you will need to measure the door or existing lock cylinder. Find out how to do this here.
Install anti-snap locks
An anti-snap lock is foremost a safe door lock and will better protect your home and guarantee your peace of mind. More than half of burglars gain entry via the front of the home, and a third of burgled homes are broken into through the back of the house, and just 7% via the side. This is why we strongly recommend installing anti-snap locks on all the external doors of your home, including front doors, conservatories, and patio doors.
How do anti-snap locks work?
Anti-snap cylinders are tested to confirm their protection against lock snapping. The difference between anti-snap locks and the standard cylinders on the market is that they have a strong reinforced centre. The centre is designed to prevent the risk of snapping.
The lock has a thin sacrificial line cut into the cylinder body, known as a sacrificial snap line. Rather than the lock snapping at the centre, it snaps on the anti-snap line. This makes the locking mechanism intact and secure. Once a section breaks off, it’s harder for the burglar to grip the recessed cylinder and break it. The burglar will then have no other option but to abandon their break-in attempt.
Anti-snap locks are not visibly different once installed compared to a standard euro cylinder. Therefore, this will not indicate to a burglar that they should choose an alternative method to gain entry to a home.
Are my locks anti-snap?
Anti-snap locks are not identifiable once installed – so how can you tell if you have one?
Anti-theft locks will have a star rating engraved on the front, known as a ‘kite mark’. Locks without these gravings will have an increased probability of snapping.
How to check if your locks are anti-snap:
How much do anti-snap locks cost?
The average cost of anti-snap locks will vary considerably from as little as £10 up to £60+. It will depend on their design, material, and security rating. Our euro cylinder locks are equipped with anti-snap technology, providing superior security at an affordable price. We offer a full and half-length design depending on the depth of your door.
Extra security measure: Install a video doorbell
For extra home security, a doorbell security system is an effective and reassuring security measure for homes. A video doorbell will act as a deterrent to intruders as it provides extra surveillance for the front area of a home.
The system consists of a doorbell camera at your front door, together with the indoor monitor or just your phone or tablet where you can watch the camera recordings, and see and speak to visitors. This keeps you informed of who is at the front door even when you are out, which provides peace of mind your home is safe.
What we recommend
To ensure your home is kept safe and secure from lock snapping, we strongly recommend checking the locks on external doors. If they are not marked with the star security system or appear to be protruding, it’s highly unlikely the locks will not provide sufficient protection. We highly recommend that homeowners invest in anti-snap locks if the locks are found to not have the anti-snap design.
In the UK, sadly burglary is one of the most common crimes committed and lock snapping is just one of many techniques intruders will use. However, you can take action today to secure your property by following the security measures we have explored in this blog.
FAQs
Euro cylinder locks that are at risk of lock snapping are euro cylinders that are not tested and approved for either SS312 Diamond or TS007 3*.
All Euro cylinder locks manufactured before 2011, when anti-snap standards were introduced, are at risk of lock snapping, including single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and thumb-turn cylinder locks.
Firstly, check what type of lock it is and replace it with an anti-snap lock product. It’s best to call a local locksmith who can install the new anti-snap lock for you, or you could install it yourself. However, this should be attempted with caution if the lock has been damaged. It is always best to get professional help and advice when it comes to home security.
With the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to replace a euro cylinder lock with relative ease. Take a look at this short video where we show how a cylinder lock is replaced using a Torx screw and drill.
