The concept of and reports about lock snapping emerged around 2009. The locksmith industry responded by developing standards with new anti-snap locks, which have significantly addressed the issue since. Read on to learn about anti-snap locks, lock snapping and how to know if they protect your property or not.

What is lock snapping?

Lock snapping (sometimes known as cylinder snapping) is a common method of breaking into properties used by burglars in the UK. Cylinder locks are frequently used in uPVC, composite, conservatory and French doors as a locking mechanism. Regrettably, cylinder locks can be exploited through a technique known as “snapping”. Therefore, burglars target doors with cylinder locks as they can usually be opened in less than two minutes.

Burglars know that cylinder locks have a weak point. By applying force to the centre of the cylinder lock (the weak point), which is accessible on the outside of the door, the burglar will almost always gain access to the locking mechanism. Almost no skill is required by the burglar to “snap” the door lock, which is commonly installed in the UK in both domestic and commercial premises. Lock snapping is a major problem in the UK, so we go on now to provide some statistics about just how much of an issue this is in our neighbourhoods and businesses.

The good news – do not worry, as euro cylinder locks can easily be replaced by a professional Locksmith and with a simple changing of the cylinder a break-in can be 100% prevented if using this technique. Now to the statistics!

Lock snapping statistics

Here are some statistics relating to lock snapping:

• Police reported burglary – this was 266,489 offences for both domestic and business properties for the year to 31/03/2024 (Source: ONS)
• % of burglaries from lock snapping – the Master Locksmiths Association last published this statistic in 2019. They said then that 8.32% of UK burglaries were due to lock snapping (Source: MLA)
• Calculation estimates from the above two statistics – if there are around 266K burglaries at 8.32% lock snapping, that is around 22,200 lock snapping burglaries per year. N.B. lock snapping has been reducing in recent years, due to homeowners replacing vulnerable locks, so around 22.2K is the maximum number of occurrences
• Average time per break-in – assuming there are 22,200 breaks in per year, that is a lock-snapping break-in roughly every 23 minutes and 40 seconds in the UK

What are anti-snap locks?

A working definition is that anti-snap locks are security devices designed specifically to resist the technique of breaking locks by applying force until they snap. They are also sometimes referred to as “snap-safe locks” or “cylinder guards”. Anti-snap locks use robust materials and construction methods to withstand high levels of stress.

Their design incorporates reinforced components to deter unauthorised entry with anti-snap lines on the cylinder locking system. They are tested against recognised security standards to ensure reliable performance. Their use is common in situations where enhanced physical security is required.

Learn More & Buy Anti-Snap Locks

How do anti-snap locks work?

We have already explained the vulnerability of standard cylinder locks, and anti-snap locks seek to eliminate this threat. They work by featuring a reinforced section, which breaks in a controlled way if experiencing extreme force. The lock will break at the anti-snap line, which leaves the locking mechanism operational but importantly out of access of the burglar. This “sacrificial” breaking point is controlled, the inner core is protected, which means the burglar will struggle to gain entry.

Advanced features

The above describes a basic anti-snap lock. It is also possible to add multiple methods of protection to protect from snapping attempts:

1. Anti-pick – this feature in an anti-snap lock prevents burglars from manipulating the pins inside the cylinder using picking tools. It typically includes specially designed security pins, such as spool or mushroom pins, which make it significantly harder to align the lock mechanism without the correct key
2. Anti-drill – this feature in an anti-snap lock includes hardened steel pins or plates that resist drilling attempts by blunting or deflecting drill bits. These components are strategically placed within the lock cylinder to prevent access to the internal mechanism, ensuring the lock remains secure

A range of other more advanced features are also available, including anti-bump technology, lockdown mode, magnetic key systems, reinforced strike plates, restricted key profiles, etc., Why not speak to us at J.F Locksmiths about which type of anti-snap lock would work best for you?

Police advice about anti-snap locks

Anti-snap locks are recommended by Police forces as well as insurance companies. In a Press Release from September 2023, Greater Manchester Police warned about a crime wave, related to lock snap burglaries. Their recommendations included:

1. Enhance the security of your outdoor entry points by installing extra locking mechanisms
2. Replace your euro cylinder locks with anti-snap alternatives that either meet a three-start TS 007 standard or adhere to a secure diamond criterion
3. Additionally, upgrade your current door handles with options rated at two stars under TS 007
4. Engage a reputable lock service provider, such as JF Locksmiths
5. Furthermore, installing affordable sash jammers has been proven to reduce burglary risks (please confirm that this modification does not void any existing door warranties)

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

Below are some tips to identify whether you have anti-snap locks.

Prior to 2011 installations

It is estimated that around 90% of euro lock cylinders installed before 2011 are vulnerable. The vulnerability of standard euro cylinders was widely exposed in 2009 by West Yorkshire Police and new standards emerged. So, if you have a lock that you know was fitted before this date it is highly likely to be a standard installation.

Anti-snap lock standards

In the UK, the main anti-snap lock standards and certifications include:

1. TS 007 (British Kitemark Standard) – a security rating system for euro cylinders, with 3-star being the highest rating for standalone protection against snapping, drilling, bumping, and picking. Cylinders with 1-star must be paired with 2-star security door handles to meet full protection. The Kitemark logo may be located anywhere on the lock, though it is typically positioned on the front or side of the euro cylinder lock
2. Sold Secure Diamond (SS312 Diamond) – a rigorous testing standard for high-security euro cylinders, ensuring resistance to snapping and other forced entry techniques. It is often considered the most secure certification for anti-snap locks. A full list of Sold Secure anti-snap locks can be found here
3. Secured by Design (SBD) – a police-backed initiative that approves security products, including anti-snap locks, that meet recognised high-security standards such as TS 007 and SS312 Diamond

If your anti-snap euro cylinder lock is certified to any of the above three standards, it will be an anti-snap lock. If you are in any doubt about “How do I know if I have anti-snap locks”, why not contact us? We are specialists in UPVC door locks and mechanisms, providing expert repair, replacement, and installation services. With extensive experience, they handle everything from faulty multipoint locking systems to broken gearboxes, ensuring your UPVC doors are secure and functioning smoothly

Contact us

For more information and to buy anti-snap locks why not contact us at J. F Locksmiths? Our team can advise you on the best euro cylinder locking system for your domestic or commercial premises. We can also clear up any remaining queries you may have about how do anti-snap locks work.

Contact methods include:

• Call us – 0121 7835 461 (landline), 07732 207 617 (mobile) 
• Contact Us – complete our contact form to message us, or send us an email using jim@jflocksmithsbirmingham.com