Attention UPVC door owners / euro cylinder lock vulnerabilities.
I found this out the hard way so please take heed. Many of the locks fitted to uPVC doors are easily and silently compromised. It's relatively quick and easy to change them to 'snap safe' or 'break safe' locks that when forced break without exposing the latch in the centre of the mechanism.
See http://upvcsecurity.co.uk/
From West Yorks police (and echoed by many other forces) "We have received reports of two burglaries this week where Europrofile locks have been forced and entry gained. Please note - there is a weakness in these type of locks and we strongly recommend changing them to a 'Snap Safe' or 'Break Safe' style. Typically, a new lock costs around £30 or £40 but they are quick and easy to fit and prevent this type of break in. If you require further advice about your locks, please contact your Crime Reduction Officers."
Other options include armoured door plates - see http://airedalesecurityproducts.co.uk/shop/page/6?shop_param= which essentially provide a similar level of security by making the lock inaccessible.
Also look out for anti-bump cylinders whilst you're at it - http://www.antibump.co.uk/bumping.php.
So if you do what I've done (too late but I had to replace the destroyed lock and handle anyway) you want a snap-safe, anti-bump cylinder with an armoured handle. That way the crims will look elsewhere.
Thanks for reading.
