Euro Cylinders

You may well have heard of “cylinder snapping” or “lock snapping”. It’s a method used by burglars to break into property that is secured using a Euro Cylinder. Almost all properties that have uPVC doors, although a significant number of composite and aluminum doors use them too, and they’re often used in commercial as well as domestic properties.

The method of lock snapping involves breaking the cylinder to then manipulate the lock to open. Whilst you may think that all the multi locking points on your door make it secure, it’s important to realise they are all operated by the cylinder. This is the weakest point and if compromised all the locking points are rendered useless.

Many police forces have warned residents that lock snapping / cylinder snapping is a method of attack which requires no specialist tools or knowledge.

Euro Cylinder Burglary Developments from the West Yorkshire Force have established that 25% of burglaries use this method of entry.
Kirklees, an area of Leeds, are reporting even higher rates of burglary from cylinder snapping. We suggest reading their Crime Prevention Advice.

Whilst it has previously been restricted mainly to the Yorkshire area we are now seeing police further afield giving warnings. For more information please see the Thames Valley Police providing advice on the issue.

How to prevent Cylinder Snapping / Lock Snapping

So it’s clear that lock snapping is a real threat, but the important thing to realise is that there is a simple solution. It’s not something to be afraid of, simply something to be aware of and take action to prevent.

What Standard Cylinder Should I Fit?

To protect yourself against lock snapping there are essentially three ways to go:
By fitting an Anti snap, Anti bump, or Anti pick BSA approved cylinder, the Lockwizard Locksmith, your local professional, will help you minimise the likelihood of being burgled using this method of lock snapping.