The Door & Hardware Federation, which represents UK lock manufacturers, has produced a website (http://ts007.dhfonline.org.uk/ ) that tells householders what they must do to ensure their external doors are secure. The website recommends they should call in locksmiths, installers or security professionals for advice if they feel their doors, cylinders or handles do not meet the latest security standards.
This follows recent TV and radio publicity about criminals using lock attack methods they have obtained from the internet to break into insecure homes. In one TV programme it was revealed that more than a quarter of all burglaries in West Yorkshire are being committed by criminals using the latest attack techniques. It showed how euro cylinders in external doors can be forced in under a minute.
The new website tells householders that the latest lock cylinders and handles can withstand drilling, picking, bumping, snapping and plug extraction If they conform to the relevant standards It gives information on the new TS 007 Kitemark three star cylinder and handle standard and the Sold Secure Diamond standard for cylinders and describes how consumers can tell if their cylinders and handles meet these standards. It also advises householders to check if their external doors meet the PAS 24 standard if those doors have been replaced or upgraded since 2006.
The website provides links to lock manufacturers who make compliant products and there is a link to the Master Locksmiths Association website to enable the site visitor to locate a local locksmith.
Said DHF general manager Michael Skelding: “There has been an upsurge of interest in domestic security following the recent publicity. We have been working closely with the police and the security industry for some time to establish new security standards and to produce improved security products.
“This new website has been designed to give the consumer clear and simple advice on what they should do to protect their homes and so we expect locksmiths and security professionals to receive many inquiries from householders wanting their security to be checked.”
The website is at http://ts007.dhfonline.org.uk/ or can be accessed from the main DHF website www.dhfonline.org.uk .
