Lock Snapping - What the homeowner needs to know

"Lock Snapping" 

Let's take a look at your average burglar - He's moved with the times, knows how to deal with CCTV, alarms etc knows the risks but also enjoys his rewards.  He's been caught before but this helped him learn a few tips and tricks to make his life easier.

Maybe he pretended to be delivering a parcel recently or has just watched your home from nearby?  Chances are he knows whether you're in or out and he also managed to get a quick look at your door lock so now knows what he's dealing with

He's seen a nice car on the drive and wants to get the keys or has decided he wants to go through your home looking for items of value he can easily re-sell?

You, the homeowner have already adopted the idea of a security onion (see our other blogs).  Your door is double locked (handle was lifted and key turned before leaving).  You've also recently spent a fortune and had composite or uPVC doors and windows fitted and they all have multipoint locks (hooks, rollers etc that secure door to the frame when you lift the handle) pretty secure right?

The burglar (face covered) approaches your door and quickly and quietly unlocks your door in less than 10 seconds !  So how?  Did he pick the lock (like in the movies)?  No.  Chances are he snapped your door lock

How is this possible?  I've never heard of this before?  WHY haven't I heard about this before?

Sadly this is normally the type of comments we hear when we attend a burglary where the lock was snapped.  Even worse the average home insurance company will only replace your locks with "like-for-like) virtually a written invitation for the burglar to return at a later date.

This problem and the ease with which it can be performed has been known to locksmiths and police for years and it has received high profile media coverage including Crimewatch but the message still hasn't got through to you the homeowner.  Part of the reason for this is it's such a UK-wide issue affecting millions of doors, partly because of general lack of interest from homeowners (its a lock that uses a key so it's secure), and partly because door manufacturers are driven by cost so even today some manufacturers still fit sub-standard locks to their doors.

Don't believe it's an issue? Google search "lock snapping". 

Now some will say by producing videos or providing information you're creating a new generation of would be burglars?  The reality is the burglars already know this trick and they capitalise on the fact that you the homeowner doesn't.  Yes videos on the internet may have given some people ideas but that cat is well and truly out of the bag and with the internet there is no putting it away now it's out there.  Also consider there are many, many videos out there showing how to pick a lock which haven't caused a flurry of lock picking burglaries! So burglars are not spending their days on Youtube - and let me assure you burglars don't pick locks they just want a quick quiet form of entry and unfortunately lock snapping is it.

So how can it be stopped?  The good news is this issue can be stopped simply by changing the lock.  No new door or mechanism needed just a new door lock.

There is another grey area though!  If you googled "lock snapping" you'll probably have seen lots of ads promoting "anti snap" or "snap safe" locks that can protect your home.  Some have 1 star rating, some have a British Standard kitemark so they must be good right?  Wrong! Watch the video below so you can have an understanding of lock snapping and if its relevant to your home then we'll cover the claims some lock manufacturers are making and how they can easily mislead you

So I've seen a lock that's anti-snap so it must have been tested?
The new lock I've seen has a British Standard Kitemark?
The lock I spotted has a horizontal keyway so is much higher security?

In last few years a lot of lock manufacturers have identified that lock snapping is a rapidly growing issue and have adapted their marketing to cash-in on this.  Adding a sacrificial snap-point, dual colour locks, different keyways all in an attempt to market their product as designed to counter a lock snapping attack.

Some will claim to protect your home against lock snapping and they will be available at very reasonable prices.  These locks have no accreditation and have likely never been tested

Sneakily, some major brand names will use their name to promote their version as a quality product and even have accreditation (British Standard Kitemark for instance) etched into their locks promoting a high level of security.  This is where you need to be careful.  Many times this accreditation has been earned by demonstrating a resistance to lock picking in test conditions (remember what I said earlier burglars don't pick locks) and although they claim resistance to lock snapping they have never been tested for this.  Normally a higher price than your basic locks

Then we move into genuine higher security locks who have been tested for lock snapping resistance.  Some 1 star some 3 star so whats the difference?  You should always at a minimum being looking for a 3 star lock.  This type of lock has the capability to deflect this type of attack without the need for re-inforced handles or other security fittings.


Now, the Ultion lock.

Not only does it carry the highest accreditation for lock snapping it also provides other features including a restricted key system.  This means no-one can make a copy of your key without your permission and ensures any duplicate keys are 1st generation created from your unique key-code.  No more copies of copies (meaning any imperfections are increased with each copy) just a high quality key everytime.

You also have the option to have the locks "keyed alike".  This means that one key can operate all locks or specific locks in your home.

Detect

Yes it will - If the lock is attacked it will activate lock-down mode to prevent the lock being snapped and the intruder gaining entry to your home

Deter

Yes it will - Burglars are aware of this lock and it's tested capabilities - Chances are they'll move on elsewhere for a less challenging day 

Deflect 

Yes it will - Proven to deflect common burglary techniques inc lock snapping the lock manufacturers even provide a £1,000 guarantee to guarantee there'll never be a break-in via one of their locks - Who else does this?

One final point - You've built your security onion and completed the basics - Now considering CCTV or an alarm? Stop - before you add these products please ensure you have high security locks fitted to your home - This is the only type of product that provides physical security and if it doesn't deter the burglar it will still stop them dead in their tracks if they decide to give it a go.  Considerably cheaper than CCTV or alarms they are a genuine investment and incredibly well priced.  If you want to improve all your locks but don't have the budget right now just start with one and build up gradually - every layer helps

OK, thats my blog for today finished and I genuinely hope it has given you some ideas to improve your existing security.  As mentioned above we don't fit alarms or CCTV but if you need any assistance with security basics or are considering upgrading any locks in your home (whether British Standard or Ultion) please do not hesitate to get in touch.  We attend free of charge and provide a no-obligation quotation along with sensible prices and a 24 month warranty as standard with all products.

I hope this info has been of help - for further info including other blog topics please visit us at www.pro-locksmiths.co.uk