Anti-snap euro cylinders fitted today, nationwide.

Lock snapping is the most common forced entry method in the UK. Here’s what stops it.

Lock snapping works like this: a standard euro cylinder is inserted into the door with a portion exposed on the outside. A burglar grabs the exposed part with pliers or a wrench, applies force, and the cylinder snaps at its weakest point. From there, the lock’s internal mechanism is accessible with a screwdriver. The whole thing takes under 30 seconds on an unprotected cylinder and makes almost no noise.

The defence is a TS007 3-star rated cylinder. These are manufactured to resist the specific techniques used in snapping attacks — the cylinder breaks away cleanly in the snap zone but a sacrificial insert protects the lock mechanism behind it, so the door stays locked even after the attack. Avocet ABS, Yale Platinum, Ultion and Brisant are the main brands we fit and recommend.

It’s worth being clear about what “3-star” means. The TS007 star rating is for the cylinder plus handle/escutcheon combination, not the cylinder alone. A 3-star cylinder on its own is 1-star. A 1-star cylinder plus a 2-star handle is 3-star. We supply and fit the correct combination — not just the cylinder — so you’re actually protected.

For most UK home insurers, a TS007 3-star upgrade also satisfies the minimum cylinder security requirement. If you’ve had a burglary or near-miss, this is often required before a new claim will be accepted.