One of the most common ways a burglar will break into your home is through the entry door. They use different tactics to get in through your door, such as your spare key in the fake rock or simply taking advantage of you forgetting to lock the door.
Even if you do everything correct, a burglar may break in through a method known as lock snapping. This common way of getting into a home usually happens due to a homeowner believing their home is secure when it's not.
Understanding What Lock Snapping is
A technique that doesn't require much skill, burglars use lock snapping, also called cylinder snapping to get into your home. Since this method doesn't require much skill or any special equipment, it's very common. All the intruder needs is a hammer and screwdriver to get into your home and they can do it very quickly with lock snapping.
Usually, this method is applied to a Euro profile cylinder lock, which is commonly used on uPVC doors. Even though the lock has multi-locking points, they are operated by a single-cylinder, which can be snapped into two halves rather easily. The burglar just has to apply the right force to the cylinder and it will break.
Once the lock snapping has occurred, entry into your home is rather easy. The burglar can now open the door with simple household tools and gain access to your belongings.
Simply put, lock snapping is the process of applying for to a lock cylinder to snap it in half. A burglar with very little experience can snap your lock in a matter of seconds.
How to Prevent Lock Snapping
Preventing lock snapping starts with figuring out if your locks are vulnerable. Make sure to check all entry points to your home as not all burglars break in through the front door. If you want a professional to check your locks, call a local Chicago locksmith. They will be able to tell you if your locks are anti-snap and if not, they can recommend the right upgrade to protect your home.
If you decide to check your locks on your own, you want to find out if you have cylinder locks that can easily be snapped. Look to see if the lock sticks out of the door handle and protrudes very easily. If so, it's likely time for an upgrade.
Install the Right Locks
The best way to prevent lock snapping and make your home more secure is installing the right locks. Have a locksmith install the highest quality locks for your doors and make sure they are anti-snap locks. Having an anti-snap lock fitted to your door will ensure you don't have to worry about a burglar breaking in, even if you locked the door.
Anti-snap locks have a tested cylinder that keeps the lock from being snapped by the method used by burglars. They can attack this lock, but it won't snap like a traditional euro-cylinder lock will.
As long as your new locks are properly fitted and installed, you won't have to worry about snapping. A professional locksmith will be able to make the right recommendation for your door and install the proper lock to better protect your home.