Clearview National December 2015 - Issue 169 | Page 48

DOORS&WINDOWS DHF welcomes insurance sector’s tough stance on house burglary As the trade association representing the UK’s leading lock makers, the DHF welcome the insurance sector’s early acceptance of a new domestic door security standard designed to defeat a wave of house burglaries. »»A leading UK insurance company is now advising its domestic insurance policy holders to choose TS 007-rated security for their entrance doors. TS 007 security provides resistance against cylinder snapping and other forms of lock attack which are increasingly being used in domestic break-ins. Now they are sincerely hoping other insurance companies will follow the lead set by this particular insurance company and encourage their policy holders to upgrade their door security. Installers and fabricators are well aware that cylinder snapping, a technique which allows burglars to break into a home in a matter of seconds, is an increasing problem and that many homes are at risk from this form of lock attack. The DHF developed the TS 007 standard, working with the Glass & Glazing Federation, BSI, Secured by Design, MLA and other industry organisations, and has been liaising closely with the RISCAuthority, the insurance-backed organisation that supports best practice in the protection of property and business. RISCAuthority referenced TS 007 and other standards developed by the lock industry in its recent Guidance to Occupiers publication. Welcoming the insurance company’s early adoption of the RISCAuthority guidelines, they are confident other insurance companies will follow. A wide range of TS 007 lock cylinders and door handles is available which are certified by the BSI Kitemark. Security to the TS 007 standard can be achieved by either a combination of a TS 007 cylinder (marked with one star) and TS 007 security door furniture such as a strengthened door handle (marked with two stars); or a “super cylinder” (marked with three stars) that successfully resists snap attack without the need to fit additional door hardware. In both cases, the same degree of resistance against attack is provided. TAKE ACTION Installers and fabricators have long been aware that cylinder snapping exploits a weakness in the eurocylinder typically used in locks found in doors made from PVCu and composite materials, which form the bulk of domestic entrance doors in the UK. The DHF - and now the insurance sector is spreading the message to the general public that they need to take action against the threat of cylinder snapping by updating their lock cylinders. For more information about TS 007 visit www.dhfonline.