Media information

June 30, 2014

Door & Hardware Federation welcomes BBC TV advice on lock snapping

BBC TV has once again warned householders about criminals using lock snapping techniques to break into their homes.

In its Crimewatch Roadshow programme on June 24, householders were advised to change their door lock Eurocylinders to 3 star TS 007 cylinders. TS 007 is a Kitemark cylinder standard developed by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Glass & Glazing Federation, in consultation with Secured by Design (the Association of Chief Police Officers' crime prevention initiative), the British Standards Institution, and other leading industry organisations.

Crimewatch Roadshow graphically demonstrated the vulnerability of Eurocylinders fitted to most domestic PVC-u and composite entrance doors. A representative from the crime prevention charity Community Action and Support Against Crime (CASAC) was filmed snapping a standard Eurocylinder in just 15 seconds using basic tools. He recommended householders should replace their Eurocylinders for TS 007 3 star cylinders which are readily available.

Said Michael Skelding, DHF general manager and secretary: "BBC TV has once again drawn attention to the huge security risks being run by so many households that have insecure PVC-u and composite entrance doors. Lock snapping accounted for 40 percent of burglaries in West Yorkshire. This has been reduced to 25 percent thanks to the efforts of West Yorkshire Police and CASAC, however the programme warned that the incidence of lock snapping is spreading further afield.

"We are encouraged that the solution put forward in the TV programme is the simple replacement of a Eurocylinder with the widely available 3 star TS 007 cylinder. The flexibility of the TS 007 rating allows the alternative method of combining a 1 star rated cylinder with a 2 star rated armoured handle or lock surround to achieve a 3 star solution."

The BBC TV Crimewatch Roadshow page can be reached onwww.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/4GGyspXX8J0q6tycmk6Cpp3/is-your-lock-vulnerable-to-snapping. More information on TS 007 is available onwww.dhfonline.org.uk.

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Note to editors:

The DHF represents all the key players in the following sectors: architectural hardware and locks, industrial /commercial doors, garage doors, powered gates, metal & timber doorsets. 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.

Issued on behalf of the DHF by

Ainsworth Public Relations

0161 427 3861

guy@ainsworth-pr.co.uk

Door & Hardware Federation

01827 52337

www.dhfonline.org.uk