Homeowners across England and Wales are being warned about a 'quiet' burglary technique known as lock snapping, which allows thieves to break in without leaving obvious signs of forced entry. According to locksmith marketing firm The Perspicacity Life, many British homes are vulnerable due to poorly installed euro profile cylinders that protrude beyond door handles.
Lock snapping involves gripping and snapping the lock mechanism, enabling burglars to gain entry while the door appears untouched from outside. Police forces have previously issued alerts about this method. In a crime prevention alert from Greater Manchester Police, Superintendent Chris Foster urged residents to prioritise security, stating: 'We need the public to be aware of their personal safety and the security of their property.'
Modern front doors, particularly uPVC and composite varieties, often have a separate metal barrel (euro profile cylinder) housed within the handle. If this cylinder is susceptible or poorly fitted, it becomes an easy entry point. The Perspicacity Life recommends a simple check: stand side-on to the front door from outside and look at the key barrel. If it juts out beyond the handle, it gives intruders more to latch onto.
Craig Andres, founder of The Perspicacity Life and a seasoned locksmith, advised: 'Make sure your euro profile cylinder fits flush with your outside handle.' He added that a protruding cylinder should be taken seriously, and homeowners should consider contacting a locksmith. Often, only the cylinder needs replacing, not the entire door.
Greater Manchester Police advises upgrading to anti-snap cylinder locks with a three-star rating under TS 007, and opting for two-star rated handles. Andres recommends a 3-star Diamond standard euro profile cylinder. He also suggests checking for rough keys, sticking locks, or doors that require extra force to close, as these can indicate vulnerabilities.
By addressing obvious weaknesses like the lock barrel and maintaining simple daily checks, homeowners can make their properties much tougher targets for burglars.
