Media information

March 19, 2014

 DHF answers householders' security fears following BBC Watchdog lock snapping exposé

Householders concerned about the security of their homes are calling in locksmiths, installers and security professionals for advice following a BBC TV Watchdog Test House exposé on the vulnerability of locks on most domestic PVC-u and composite entrance doors.

 The BBC TV consumer programme revealed that many burglaries that occur in the UK each year are carried out by criminals snapping the Eurocylinder within the door lock, a process that can take just seconds.

 However, there is help at hand. The programme informed householders that there are now cylinders that resist snapping, such as those tested to Kitemark TS 007 standard. This standard has been developed by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF), in consultation withSecured by Design (the Association of Chief Police Officers'crime prevention initiative), the British Standards Institution (BSI), and other leading industry organisations.

 According to the DHF, which represents the UK's leading lock manufacturers, there are 45 million residential entrance doors in the UK. Almost70 per cent of these are vulnerable to snapping and other methods of lock attack which have been revealed extensively on the internet.

 The TS 007 standard incorporates the use of a Kitemark symbol and star ratings that range from one to three stars. TS 007 is designed as a three star solution. Security can be achieved by either a combination of a cylinder (marked with one star) and security door furniture such as a strengthened door handle (marked with two stars); or a "super cylinder" (marked with three stars) that successfully resists snap attack. In both cases, a similar degree of resistance against attack will be provided.

 In the Watchdog programme, viewers watched tests being carried out at the BSI on TS 007 three star cylinders which successfully repelled lock snapping attempts. The programme also showed tests being carried out on PAS 24 Kitemark-rated doors. These are replacement doorsets incorporating high security locks to TS 007 standard along with other security features such as strong hinges and handles.

 Said Michael Skelding, DHF general manager and secretary: "BBC's Watchdog programme has drawn attention to the huge risks being run by so many households that have insecure PVC-u and composite entrance doors. We are encouraged that the solution put forward in the programme is that worried householders should consider either retrofitting a Kitemark TS 007 three star rated system in their existing door, or replacing the entire door with a PAS 24 rated product. There is a wide range of these cylinders and doors available from DHF and GGF member companies."

 For more information on TS 007 and PAS 24, and to see the range of cylinders and doorsets available, visitwww.dhfonline.org.ukandhttp://www.ggf.org.uk

 The Watchdog programme can be watched on BBC TV iPlayerhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03y9xvl/Watchdog_Test_House_Episode_4/

 end

Note to editors:

The DHF represents all the key players in the following sectors: architectural hardware and locks, industrial /commercial door, garage door, powered gate, metal & timber doorset. With the ultimate aim of maintaining and raising quality standards throughout the industry, all DHF members must meet minimum standards of competence and customer service. They all operate within a Code of Conduct governing standards of workmanship, quality assurance, training, safety business integrity and CE marking compliance.

The GGF is the trade association representing companies that make, supply or fit, glass and glazing related products. It is the primary representative organisation for companies involved in all aspects of the manufacture of flat glass and products & services for all types of glazing, in commercial and domestic sectors.

Issued on behalf of the DHF by

Ainsworth Public Relations

0161 427 3861

guy@ainsworth-pr.co.uk

www.ainsworth-pr.co.uk

Door & Hardware Federation

01827 52337

www.dhfonline.org.uk

 PICTURE CAPTION

 This lock cylinder displays the Kitemark and three stars, indicating it is rated to TS 007 and offers three star protection against lock attack.