Q. What is the problem with Euro Profile Locks?

A. There is a design weakness in the Euro Profile Cylinder locks that are commonly used on UPVC and composite doors. During recent years burglars have increasingly been using a simple tool to snap the euro profile lock cylinder.

Q. Has this problem been publicised?
A. There have been numerous reports on television and in newspapers about the weakness in these types of locks.

Q. What makes of lock are the most vulnerable?
A. No one particular make of lock is more vulnerable; however all major lock manufacturers are now working hard to find solutions to the problem. If you have a door that is several years old, it is worth having the lock checked and replaced where necessary.

Q. Are there any locks on the market that are more secure?
A. Yes, CASAC have tested a large range of products with West Yorkshire Police and have identified a cylinder which will help withstand this type of lock snapping attack. CASAC fit these cylinders as standard.

Q. Will these locks prevent forced entry?
A. Although this design of cylinder is not a 100% guarantee of preventing this method of attack on UPVC doors; it will prevent the most common methods, thereby slowing down the burglar’s attempts at entry and making it considerably more difficult; therefore increasing the chance of them giving up.

Q. Do I have to fit a new lock?
A. No, not necessarily; in addition to new locks, there are products called cylinder enhancers or cylinder security to suit UPVC and composite doors. These are a metal surrounds that are secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA’s range is possibly the most secure, with the designs securing through the door to sandwich the cylinder in place, making it virtually impossible to remove the ‘snapped’ cylinder. These devices used in conjunction with a ‘Break Secure’ or ‘Snap Safe’ cylinder will ensure the methods currently being used are ineffective. Euro cylinders that are fitted on door grills cylinder should not protrude on the outside of the grill. If a cylinder does protrude, it needs to be protected by a shroud/escutcheon.

Q. How do I know if my home is at risk?
A. It is recommended that the Euro profile cylinder should not protrude outside of the door furniture any more than 2 - 3mm. If you are in doubt, seek advice from CASAC Burglary Reduction who will provide advice and guidance on security, without any obligation.

Q. What can I do immediately to reduce the risk?
A. Deadlock doors whenever your home is unattended. Fit and use a door chain on the main entrance door when the house is occupied. If UPVC doors are fitted to other areas, fit additional internal secondary bolts as an alternative to replacing the cylinders.

Through our burglary reduction scheme a CASAC Safety Engineer can advise you on how to make your home more secure and minimise your risk of burglary. You will get a FREE security check and FREE advice on how to improve your security.

You will then be given a no obligation quote for our high quality door/window locks, reinforced handles, door chains, spy holes and many other security measures. Our Safety Engineer will then fit the measures that you choose at competitive rates.

Our burglary reduction scheme has proven to reduce burglary and repeat burglary in over 55,000 properties.

If you would like a free assessment please call the

CASAC Team on: 0845 519 2122 or enquire online