What is Lock Snapping?

You may well have heard of “cylinder snapping” or “lock snapping“.  Lock snapping is a very common method used by burglars to break into a property that has a euro cylinder lock, lock snapping requires ZERO skill by the thief to snap the lock. 

Euro lock cylinders prone to lock snapping are found on almost all domestic houses that have UPVC doors, although a significant number of composite & aluminium doors use them too, and they’re often used in commercial as well as domestic environments.

1. The Method of Lock Snapping

The method of lock snapping involves breaking the cylinder to then manipulate the lock to open.

Whilst you may think that all the multi-locking points on your door make it secure, it’s important to realise they are all operated by the cylinder – this is the weakest point and if compromised all the locking points are rendered useless.

How long does lock snapping take?

It can take just 5-10 seconds for a thief to snap the lock.

• Requires no specialist tools or knowledge – Various Police Forces are warning residents that lock snapping is a method of attack which requires no specialist tools or knowledge.

• 10% of burglaries – West Yorkshire Police Force has found that 10% of burglaries use this method of entry.

How common is lock snapping?

Lock Snapping is Spreading over the UK

Whilst lock snapping previously been restricted mainly to the Yorkshire area we are now seeing Police giving warnings in other parts of the country.

Lock Snapping Burglary Statistics

In 2011 Lock snapping burglaries were at a record high, 15.87% of break-ins, used to lock snapping to gain access.

Shortly after in 2011, SS312 diamond standard for lock cylinders was introduced. Following this, in 2012, the TTS07 standard was developed.

In 2019 only 8.32% of burglaries involved lock snapping.

2. How an Anti Snap Lock can prevent a Burglary!

From the below image you can see how fitting by an anti-snap euro cylinder lock to these UPVC doors a burglary attempt has been stopped.

What lock is used to stop lock snapping?

The lock on the above door protecting it from snapping is a euro cylinder lock that is tested and approved to SS312 diamond standard, which makes the lock Anti Snap.

How a lock will protect against lock snapping:

• Lock must be tested against lock snapping
  – SS312 Diamond approved lock cylinders have been tested to resist this particular type of attack
  – Changing your euro profile cylinders will protect your door, providing you with an anti-snap lock on your door.

• Fit the lock correctly – a locksmith will also make sure the lock is fitted correctly, not fitting in the correct way will lead it prone to snapping.

• There are different sizes of euro locks – Cylinders are available in various sizes, so fitting the correct size is vital.

To get one of these fitted we recommend contacting your local MLA approved locksmith who can advise you on getting one installed to your front and back doors.

What lock standard you should be looking to fit is covered below in the What Standard Cylinder Should I Fit? section further on.

3. What Locks are at Risk to Lock Snapping?

The only type of euro cylinder lock at risk to lock snapping is a euro cylinder that is not tested and approved to either SS312 Diamond or TS007 3*.

We will cover what standard lock you should fit further on in this article.

Types of Euro Cylinder Lock at Risk to Lock Snapping 

The following types of euro cylinders are prone to lock snapping:

1. Single Lock Cylinder – only gain access from one side

2. Double Lock Cylinder – gain access from both sides

3. Thumbturn Lock Cylinder – can lock & unlock from the inside without a key

There are advantages and disadvantages of euro cylinder locks which range from security features to keying options.

4. How to tell you have a Euro Cylinder Lock Fitted

If you have a uPVC/composite or wooden door, the chances are you have a euro cylinder lock.

To help you easily identify your type of lock, look at the shape of the lock or our pictures below.

The Shape of the lock – look out for a long cylindrical shape, with keyhole in middle
Keyhole Shape – the keyhole will be straight

What a Euro Cylinder Lock Looks Like –
Pictures of Euro Cylinder Locks

Below are some images of what euro cylinders fitted to doors look like, which should help you identify if you have a euro cylinder lock.

If you are unsure what type of lock or standard of lock you have fitted, contact a MLA approved locksmith local to you, our locksmiths fit anti snap locks everyday.

5. How do I know if I have anti-snap locks?

The first thing to know is you may see anti-snap locks referred to as snap-proof, snap resistant or snap secure.

Is your euro cylinder lock old? – If the euro lock cylinder on your door was fitted before 2011 it almost certainly has not been tested for lock snapping so is not anti-snap.

Have a new lock cylinder fitted to your door?  A new euro lock cylinder could be anti snap, we will discuss this below.

2 Ways to Find Out Your Door Lock is Anti-Snap

Essentially there are two ways you can ensure the euro cylinder lock on your doors is anti-snap, the first is:

1. The lock is an SS312 Diamond Approved Cylinder

One way of identifying if a lock is anti-snap is by making sure your lock is an SS312 Diamond Approved Cylinder.

SS312 Diamond is the highest level of approval for a euro cylinder lock.

Find a list of all SS312 diamond approved lock cylinders click here that have achieved this highest level of approval by visiting the Sold Secure website.

About SS312 Diamond Standard

SS312 Diamond was launched in 2011 by Sold Secure, other standards have been launched to stop lock snapping but the Sold Secure standard is seen by most as the leader and therefore the approval to have.

2. Lock has the 3 Star Kitemark Logo

If your lock has the 3-Star Kitemark Logo on it, this indicates the lock is tested against lock snapping.

The Kitemark logo can be found anywhere on the lock; it is usually found on either, the front or side of the euro cylinder.

6. What Standard Euro Cylinder Lock Should I Fit?

To protect your door locks from lock snapping there are three ways to go.

OPTION 1 – Sold Secure 312 Diamond Approved Cylinder

Fitting a Sold Secure Diamond approved cylinder ( SS312 ) will help prevent being burgled as this standard of euro cylinder is tested against lock snapping methods used by criminals.

OPTION 2 – TS007 3 Star Kitemark

If an SS312 Diamond cylinder is not used, your euro cylinder lock should at least reach the TS007 3 star Kitemark standard to provide true resistance to snapping.

Not all TS007 3 star are the same. Both of these cylinders are 3 star rated, but clear differences are visible

OPTION 3 – 1 Star Kitemark Cylinder with 2 Star Door Furniture

A 1-star kitemark cylinder fitted with a 2-star kite mark door furniture ( door handle, cylinder guard ).

Our most secure uPVC door handle page will tell you the cost and advantages of high-security door handles.

7. How should a Euro Cylinder Lock be fitted?

It is vital the euro cylinder lock on your door is fitted correctly, as lock cylinders vary depending on the door and handle thickness.

The below images show the correct and incorrect ways a lock should be fitted.

Incorrectly Fitted Euro Cylinder Locks – Prone to Lock Snapping

The pictures below are of euro cylinder locks not fitted properly:

Why these euro cylinder locks are fitted incorrect

• The more exposed/sticking out a lock cylinder is, the more prone it is to lock snapping

Correctly Fitted Euro Cylinder Lock

This is how a correct size and properly fitted lock cylinder should look:

How to fit a Euro Cylinder Lock correctly

• The euro lock cylinder should not protrude more than 3mm from the handle

• Ideally, the lock cylinder should be completely flush with no external overhang.

• The correct size of the lock cylinder is vital.

Summary on Lock Snapping

The quickest way to protect yourself against this burglary method on the rise is simple, fit a Sold Secure Diamond approved cylinder.

For extra door security you could fit some high-security door furniture too, such as 2-star kitemarked security handles.

Credit: Master Locksmith Association

SPOTTING ROMANCE FRAUD

People who have fallen victim to romance scams tend to report the same pattern. If you or someone you know is using online dating or friendship sites and sees any of these signs, it may indicate you or they are being scammed:-

• Generally, the scam starts with an initial contact by the scammer. The scammer may be a member of the same online dating site as you or any online forum you have joined. The scammer may also contact you on social media such as Facebook.

• Their profile picture is very attractive. It’s common for scammers to use stolen photographs of beautiful people. You can check whether someone’s profile picture is associated with anyone else by accessing the website in Google Chrome, right-clicking on the picture and then clicking ‘Search Google for image’.  Google will then display any other websites that the image is on.  If the person seems to have a different name on other websites, chances are they are tricking you.

• The scammer asks you a lot of questions about yourself. This is because the more information they know about you, the easier you will be to manipulate. The scammer will spin a tale about him or herself as well. Eventually, you begin speaking over the phone. This stage can last for weeks, even months.

• The discussion is friendly at first but turns romantic very quickly. They shower you with compliments and claim to be falling in love with you.  Victims usually report that this shift occurs very early on in the relationship – so if it all seems to be happening too fast, it might very well be a scam.

• Their story, or parts of it, change over time. If someone is making up their life story, it can be easy to forget what they’ve said before.  If some part of their story doesn’t sound quite right or match what they said last month, that could indicate they are lying.

• Their grammar and spelling are poor. Many scams originate overseas. If the scammer tells you they’re from the UK but writes as if English is not their first language, this should be a red flag.

• They refuse to Skype or video call you, or meet in person. They always find an excuse as to why they can’t do this.

• Eventually, the scammer asks you to lend them money. They use any number of reasons: they need help to pay for the flight or other transport to meet you. They are in some sort of trouble. They need money to pay for medical care, either for themselves or someone close to them. Or they have a great business or investment opportunity that could benefit both of your futures.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM ROMANCE FRAUD

Just because there are some mean, dishonest people out there doesn’t mean you have to stop using dating sites altogether.  You just have to be aware that scammers do exist, and follow some simple rules to protect yourself online:

• If you’re using social media sites like Facebook, don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.

• Don’t give away too many personal details about yourself online. Revealing your full name, date of birth and home address could lead to your identity being stolen.

• NEVER send or receive money or give away your bank details to someone you’ve only met online. If anyone asks for your financial details stop communicating with them immediately and report them to the dating site.

• Use reputable dating sites. Fraudsters will want you to quickly switch to using text messages, social media or telephone so there is no evidence on the dating site of them asking you for money, so keep communicating through the dating site messaging service.

Resources

• The MPS has produced this useful video about Romance Fraud.

• Action Fraud has an infographic on how to date online safely.

Credit: Neighbourhood Watch Network

Phone scammers impersonating BT are exploiting upcoming changes to the landline phone network to con customers into giving them their payment details.

Victims have reported cold calls, claiming to be from BT, stating that they need to confirm their personal and payment information so their landline can go digital before a January 2025 deadline.

Some victims received fake calls asking for on-the-spot payments to move to the digital service, and were threatened with having their landline disconnected immediately when they refused.

The scammers may know your name and address and use this information to convince you to trust them.

Read on to find more about the digital landline switchover and what to do if you receive a scam call.

The digital landline switchover

The UK’s landline network is being upgraded to be fully digital, and was planned to be completed by January this year. But the completion deadline was recently extended to 2027.

However, this hasn’t stopped scammers trying their luck by using the original 2025 deadline to confuse landline customers into sharing sensitive information.

In the future, when the network upgrades are finished, landline calls will operate using digital technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). It’s also sometimes known as Digital Voice.

This may mean some older devices using your landline connection, such as home phones and personal care or security alarms, may need updating or they’ll no longer work.

However, your landline provider should write to you explaining what the switchover means for you, and will give you advice and support with any changes you need to make. The digital switchover does not involve any fees.

Your landline provider will never ask you to make payments or verify your payment information in order for your landline to be upgraded to the digital service. 

The scam calls aren’t just targeting landline numbers about landline services either. Which? has heard from victims without a landline phone who have been contacted on their mobile phones too.

These victims were told the upcoming changes would mean they’d lose their home internet connection if they didn’t confirm their details. But this isn’t true.

How to protect yourself from scam calls

• Treat all unsolicited phone calls with caution, even if they claim to be from BT, or any other organisation. You can’t always trust the caller ID that appears on your phone, either.

• Never tell anyone your personal information, payment information or passwords over the phone, even if the caller seems to know details such as your name and address. If you’re not sure, tell the caller you’re not comfortable giving your details over the phone, and hang up.

• Ignore calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important, the caller will leave a voicemail or try to contact you another way.

• Be wary of any caller pressuring you or worrying you into acting straight away, whether it’s making a payment or financial decision, or giving away sensitive details. Legitimate organisations do not use pressure tactics.

• Register with the Telephone Preference Service. It’s an official register of numbers who have opted out of receiving marketing or sales calls. However, it doesn’t guarantee against getting scam calls as criminals don’t tend to follow the rules.

• Try a call blocking service or phone if you or your relatives tend to get cold calls. Some landline phones have features that block unknown numbers, or only allow trusted numbers to call you, and can divert all other calls to an answerphone.

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed by a cold call

Call your bank straight away if you think you’ve given your payment details to a scammer over the phone. It should take steps to protect your money, and give you advice.

If you’ve sent money through a bank transfer, the bank should be able to refund your money, partially or in full, depending on how much was stolen. The same goes for any money later taken from your accounts by scammers.

Report phone scams to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud records scam reports and passes the information onto the police, who investigate further.

If you’re called by someone claiming to be from BT, or any organisation, and they’re asking for payment or personal information, you can end the call or conversation any time. You can always contact the official customer services to check your service if you’re concerned by any threats a caller has made.

Read more: Digital Voice and the landline phone switch-off: what it means for you

Author Credit: Lauren Merryweather - which.co.uk

Find out how Neighbourhood Watch is partnering with BT Digital Switchover on spreading the word about the switch over and running local face to face events where you can have your questions answered by clicking here