As entrance doors continue to be the most common point of entry for residential burglaries, Darren Bates, Head of Distribution Sales at ERA, discusses how merchants can support trade professionals and homeowners in improving security by supplying hardware that conforms with the latest technical standards.
According to recent Office for National Statistics data, 76% of burglary incidents in 2019/20 involved entry through the door at the front of a property. Improving door security therefore continues to be one of the most effective ways of protecting a home against intruders, and understanding the latest go-to methods of attack is key.
One of the most common tactics used by burglars that don’t require specialised tools or skills is lock snapping, which involves quickly and discreetly snapping a euro cylinder in two and removing the outside part to expose the locking mechanism.
To help ensure homes are protected against lock snapping and other forms of forced entry, merchants can recommend and stock high-security door hardware that conforms to the Door Hardware Federation’s (dhf) latest technical standards.
This includes TS 007 which was published in 2018 and created in response to growing concerns that an increasing number of properties are under threat from burglars who learn lock attack techniques on the internet.
Developed in partnership with the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF), the standard advises that a lock cylinder and door handle should provide optimal protection against five common forms of attack — snapping, drilling, picking, bumping and plug extraction.
“According to recent Office for National Statistics data, 76% of burglary incidents in 2019/20 involved entry through the door at the front of a property. Improving door security therefore continues to be one of the most effective ways of protecting a home against intruders, and understanding the latest go-to methods of attack is key.”
Star performers
Products that meet the standard carry a star rating and third party certification mark (Kitemark), which is imprinted on compliant cylinders and door furniture, in addition to the packaging of the hardware.
To help homeowners upgrade their lock cylinder and door handle to the TS 007 Kitemark standard, merchants need to offer a 3* solution certified to meet its requirements.
There are two ways this can be achieved. The first option is recommending a 3* cylinder that is suitable for use with a wide range of existing door handles, so it can be easily retrofitted and doesn’t require the addition of a new security handle.
This is the ideal choice for homeowners who want to improve the security of their lock whilst keeping their existing door handle as 3* cylinders provide protection against all known lock snapping and bumping techniques, and are suitable for installation in timber, composite, aluminium and PVCu doors.
To ensure homeowners achieve 3* security, merchants should stock 3* cylinders that have been independently tested and certified in accordance with TS 007:2014+A2:2018 and EN 1303:2015. The latest cylinder designs include methods to protect the central cam to ensure the cylinder remains locked, whilst anti-pick and anti-bump security pins and anti-drill rods provide exceptional resistance against the most common types of attack.
ERA’s new High Security 3* Euro Profile Cylinder, which is supplied with a £2,000 anti-snap guarantee, is available in single, double or thumbturn sizes to ensure merchants meet the requirements of every installation. The cylinder is also available in four colour options — satin chrome, polished chrome, satin brass and dual coloured — to suit a diverse range of handle types with a Euro profile design.
For homeowners who are looking to also change their door handle, merchants can recommend a 2* TS 007 security handle in conjunction with a 1* cylinder. Both types of hardware can be easily retrofitted onto existing doors to improve security and provide a cost effective design upgrade.
2* high security handles are available with all necessary fixings and in 44mm and 70mm versions for fast and convenient installation on a wide variety of PVCu, timber and composite door profiles. The door handle will protect the cylinder against attack, with some models featuring a sculptured backplate that discourages unwanted attention from mole grips. Additional strengthening plates also help prevent the removal of the external handle.
When fitted with a 1* anti-bump cylinder, this combination ensures doors meet the recommended TS 007 3* security level.
To further support merchants in meeting the requirements of security-conscious homeowners who are also looking to enhance the visual appeal of their properties, ERA has launched a new range of premium Fab&Fix suited hardware. This includes the new Berwick High Security 2* Door Handle, which is available in a range of patented Hardex finishes including gold, bronze, graphite and chrome and perfectly matches over 200 hardware products within the Fab&Fix range.
By offering cylinders and handles that achieve the coveted 3* security status, merchants will be well placed to meet the needs of trade professionals and homeowners looking to improve door security in these uncertain economic times.
Click here for further information on ERA’s diverse portfolio of security products.
