Most of us employ many security features, yet criminals constantly seem to come up with new ways to sneak in. Perhaps they’ve been watching too much Downton Abbey and are calling themselves the next great housebreakers.
Lock snapping is one of the most common strategies employed today and why wouldn’t it be? It’s a quick and surprisingly simple process that leaves your home defenceless.
So, let’s get reading, examine lock snapping, and discuss ways to protect your house from this growingly common entryway technique.
What is Lock Snapping?
Also known as cylinder snapping, this is a burglary tactic that takes advantage of a unique flaw in certain types of locks, primarily euro cylinder locks. These locks are often seen on uPVC doors, including those in garages and residences.
Burglars break the lock cylinder in half, allowing them to control the internal mechanism and obtain entry without a key.
The worrisome part of lock snapping is how quick and simple it is. With basic tools, an experienced burglar can discreetly break a lock in seconds.
Once the cylinder snaps, accessing the door is as simple as inserting the proper key.
Are Your Locks Vulnerable?
While not every lock will break, older or less costly ones can. Although many homes in the UK and around Europe use euro cylinder locks, not all of them have anti-snap features.
If your lock seems antiquated or sticks out from the handle, then it’s more prone to snapping. Anti-snap marks on the cylinder can help you identify a weak lock.
Many contemporary high-security locks include branding or a kite mark, suggesting that they are built to withstand breaking.
Furthermore, locks with SS312 Diamond Approved or TS007 3-star certifications are designed to provide further protection against lock snapping.
If you are worried about the security of your lock or if it lacks these indicators, you should check with a locksmith. They will evaluate your present locks and offer upgrades to give you peace of mind that your property is properly safeguarded.
Upgrade to Anti-Snap Locks: Your Best Defence
Upgrading to this type is the most effective strategy for securing your house from lock snapping. These locks are built with sacrificial portions and strengthened cylinders to withstand snap attempts.
When a burglar attempts to snap one, it breaks in a controlled manner, protecting the core mechanism and preventing the door from being opened.
Anti-snap locks offer many levels of security. The strengthened core makes it far more difficult for the lock to shatter in the first place.
Furthermore, anti-drill and anti-pick pins provide further resistance to other conventional lock-breaking techniques.
When upgrading, seek locks that have a TS007 3-star certification or meet the SS312 Diamond standard. These certifications offer the maximum degree of security against lock snapping using cutting-edge anti-snap technology.
Another great advantage of switching to anti-snap locks is that it’s neither difficult nor costly. Many locksmiths provide this service which is inexpensive compared to the possible expense of a break-in.
Additional Security Measures to Consider
Although switching to anti-snap locks is crucial, you can also take additional actions to raise the security level of your house.
Sash jammer installation adds a degree of protection to windows and doors, making it more difficult for burglars to enter even if the main lock is destroyed.
It is essential to install superior escutcheons to safeguard the door knobs and lock cylinder. These shields make it more difficult for thieves to grip and break the cylinder since they block direct access to the lock.
You can always start by searching for handles that meet the same security requirements as anti-snap locks which are designed specifically to resist forced access.
Over and above that, installing visible security devices can aid in deterring burglars, such as CCTV cameras or smart doorbells with motion detection.
By increasing the possibility of identification, these technologies prevent potential thieves from trying to break in.
While these measures don’t directly prevent lock snapping, properties with obvious security elements are less likely to be targeted.
Another current option to explore is smart locks. These digital gadgets eliminate the need for traditional keys and lock cylinders, rendering lock snapping impossible.
Smart locks employ digital keypads, smartphone applications, or biometric capabilities such as fingerprint identification to provide a modern safe alternative to traditional locks.
What to Do If You Suspect Lock Snapping
Take quick action if you believe someone has tried lock snapping. Make sure your locks are secure by having a professional locksmith look them over, even if there are no outward indications of forced entry.
Always pay attention to internal parts that have probably been compromised, making your lock susceptible to the next attempts.
Furthermore, watch out for minute indications of tampering, including minor misalignments in the door frame or strange stiffness when the key is turned.
After a specialist has evaluated the damage, think about upgrading to a more secure door handle or escutcheon to cover exposed cylinders. This will further reduce the chance of repeat break-ins.
Similarly, installing a door security bar can be worthwhile for increased security in neighbourhoods with a high incidence of burglaries.
Notifying your neighbours about the occurrence is a crucial next step. This increases awareness and can encourage others to fortify their security, making the neighbourhood safer for everyone.
Finally, watch any recorded video from your security cameras or smart doorbells to spot any unusual behaviour around the time you think the lock-snapping attempt happened.
Consequently, giving the authorities this information will help them with their investigation and can even discourage more attempts.
Conclusion
Lock snapping is a growing security problem, but with the correct safeguards, you can keep your house safe from this sort of attack.
Rather than depending just on one solution, home security involves installing many layers of defence to keep you secure. Any action you take, whether it’s installing smart devices, changing your locks, or just being cautious, puts you one step ahead of would-be criminals.
Don’t take your house’s safety for granted. Arm yourself with the right information and equipment and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is safe and sound.
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