Multi-point locks
A uPVC door will usually have a multi-point locking system. There are (at least) five points of contact from the door into the frame from top to bottom. This makes it harder to physically kick or ram the door open.
Everest doors have a robust three hook and two roller multi-point system. The door benefits from five points of contact and the hooks and rollers contact in both directions to deter forced entry.
However, the weakest part of a door is the lock and less secure cylinder locks have a vulnerability.
Secure locking
Most burglars get into the house through the door and 33% do this by forcing the lock. The cylinder or barrel that the key fits can be the weakest part of the locking and this can make the multi-point locking system redundant if the lock can be breached.
Euro-lock cylinders are vulnerable to an attack method known as 'lock-snapping'. And intruder removes the casing around the lock to reveal the protruding cylinder and then used brute force to break the cylinder in half. A cylinder can be 'snapped' in as little as 5-10 seconds.
Lock snapping became such an issue that a few years ago the police raised awareness with a national campaign. They worked with Secured by Design and the BSI to advise on minimum standards for anti-snap cylinders that could replace existing vulnerable cylinders.
A Euro-lock cylinder should be upgraded to a cylinder that meets the following standards:
- BSI Kitemarked – TS007 3 Star Rating
- Master Locksmiths Association - SS 312 3 Star Sold Secure Diamond
Everest uPVC doors are fitted with 3 star cylinders designed with anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-bump protection to keep your door secure.
All Everest uPVC Door lock cylinders are Secured by Design and meet BS EN 1303:2015.
The average cost of items stolen from domestic burglary is £2,856 and the cost of damage is £846 (ONS).
Door handle and cylinder guard
For extra protection on a cylinder lock, a security door handle or a cylinder guard will also help to prevent lock-snapping attacks.
A security handle and cylinder guard both work, in the same way, to cover the protruding parts of the lock so a would-be intruder can’t get any tools to grip the edges of the lock.
The handle will also be extra strong to avoid the handle being snapped.
A door handle should be TS007 2 Star Approved or be part of a Secured By Design doorset.
Letterbox Cage Fishing Guard
What do many people do when they get home? Leave their door and car keys on a table in the hallway.
A popular method of burglary involves using a long retractable rod with a hook that can lift keys from a table through the letterbox.
A fishing guard letterbox has a cover at the back that stops a burglar from seeing into the hallway or from pushing the rod through the opening.
For a letterbox fishing guard, look for a security standard of TS008.
Door chain
A uPVC door security chain or bar is still a highly preventative security measure when opening a door to strangers. Especially for vulnerable people.
Make sure that the chain is tested and approved to TS003 standards.
Also, make sure that the chain is fitted correctly with the right screws that won’t come off under force.
A uPVC door will need the correct screws or rivets to make it secure.
As an alternative to a standard door chain, a door chain restrictor is screwed into the wall and then loops around the handle on a uPVC door.
In domestic burglaries, 76% of intruders break in through a door and 59% enter the house through the front (ONS).
Security or Sash jammers
If the lock on a door is forced open, a uPVC door security sash jammer adds another layer of security with a simple lever that pivots over the edge of a door. A door would usually have two security sash jammers fitted. One at the top and the bottom.
A non-locking sash jammer can be easily fitted on the inside of the door so it’s only manually operated from the inside. However, this can be an issue with elderly people if they fall and access is needed.
Key-operated sash jammers are fitted through the frame of the door and can be key-operated from the outside.
Note, Everest do not supply sash jammers.