ISEO door locks - should i change them to make burglary less likely

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laois1

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Hi all. Have been reading a bit about break ins, since my sister had one recently. Seems that the standard locks on most houses are very easily broken into. Like hers mine are all ISEO brand. Having spoken to her locksmith recently it would seem that once these are not flush with the handle outside i.e even if they are a tiny bit raised up they can be grabbed with a vice and snapped off. Burglar can get in within 15 seconds - which is what happened to her, luckily she heard them and managed to scream and they ran off. Even if they are flush they can be "bumped" with a bump key. Instructions on how to make a bump keys are available on Youtube !! Anyway I dont want to spend a lot of money replacing all these locks for something thats only marginally better. Has anyone any advice on what make of lock to go for and the approximate cost ? I have multiple external UPVC doors that are not as secure as i thought they were and am not sleeping so good since all this happened. Please advise
 
Hi
There are a few manufacturers who produce "anti-snap" cylinders. They have a snap line designed into them so that if your burgular does get the vice grips out only the end snaps leaving the integrity of the lock in place.

Squire make them, also Abus Pfanhein (not sure of the correct spelling) which can be got keyed alike and restricted profile so only you can get the keys cut or someone you authorise.

They are about €50 each as I bought some recently.
 
Thanks Dirac. Did you fit them yourself ? The locksmith i met said to change all the outers doors to the same key ? At first i thought this might not be such a great idea but then when i thought about it Im always misplacing back door/side door keys so it would be handy to have the same lock in them all. Anyone see and disadvantages or have any experience of changing locks - are these anti snap locks bump proof in all cases ???
 
Also changing the locks aside are there any additional locks which would be suitable foe PVC french doors - all advice greatly appreciated
 
No, not all anti snaps are bump proof. Bumping a lock is hardto do, it relies on the larger tolerances in cheap locks. When you bump a lock you send a vibration through the lock via the bump key and the vibration "bounces" the pins up and down and at some point they might all be level allowing the key to turn.
When you get the Abus locks I was on about, especially if you get them keyed alike you can get the locksmith to build them with a couple of anti bump pins in them.
Also consider getting a thumbturn on one of the locks so in the event of an emergency you can get out without looking for your keys in potentially difficult circumstances.
Changing euro cylinders is fairly easy. you just need to make sure you measure them correctly for the replacements.

Sash jammers would be the only other lock I've seen for french doors. Fit 2 at the top and 2 at the bottom.
 
Thanks Dirac some good ideas there. If they are not bump proof then theres no point i guess. Im trying to remember the questions i was asked when renewing house insurance. Im sure i was asked about the types of locks on my doors. I think she mentioned multi point locks which they are but ultimately they are controlled by only the one lock. Im guessing it could be difficult to prove a break in for insurance purposes if a lock was bumped.
 
If I were you I'd go to a locksmiths and tell them you want anti snap, anti bump cylinders. You can't do anymore than that. Worth getting the best locks you can afford in my opinion.
 
Thanks Dirac. Will get a quote and post back. Am not going to do myself would make a mess of it. Anyone know if there is any issue drilling the PVC doors to fit the sash jammers - it wont do any damage to the double glazing i hope ??
 
Update - i phoned a local locksmith. He supplies the ABU pfaffenhain locks. They are 60 euro each and he will charge 60 euro call out/ fitting to fit as many as i want done. Forgot to ask if i can get the same key for all. Is this price reasonable ? Says the iseo ones are very easy to break in through by snapping with many burglaries occurring in houses fitted with these.
 
There or there abouts. I think the E60 callout to fit as many locks as you want is reasonable enough. Don't forget to make sure they are antisnap, antibump as Pfannenhain also do cylinders which aren't antisnap antibump and while they are good cylinders they aren't what you want.

If you are getting a few cylinders off him try negotiating, I bought some for E50 a piece so that is a guide.
 
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