While none of the experts is predicting growth in the door and window industry, there are growing opportunities for locksmiths in the security market. Alan Bell of ERA, part of grouphomesafe, talks about some of the trends and opportunities offered to locksmiths in the retro-fit area.
The classic theory is that property crime rises faster in times of economic strife and, although at the beginning of the year, government statistics showed a surprise 8% fall in crime last year, those working closely with crime prevention bodies are still predicting an increase in crime as a result of cuts in government benefits. There are also leading academics who say that there is still a strong relationship between crime and the economy, on the basis that the overall level of property crime largely reflects the size of the market for stolen or illicit goods, which in time of recession expands. While the threat of property crime is always there, awareness tends to vary according to the amount of high-profile media coverage we see. Typical of this was the flurry of media interest in 2012 when an edition of BBC TV Yorkshire’s Inside Out highlighted the situation in West Yorkshire which has the highest burglary rate in the UK. The programme discussed the ease with which criminals can snap a standard Euro cylinder. The story, which revealed the extent to which criminals were sharing their ‘expertise’ in snapping cylinder locks, was taken up by print and broadcast media across the country. The nature of this type of crime, and the style and level of press coverage, can have a direct impact on the sale of security products as the public becomes aware of new threats. Whether in reality levels of crime have fallen or will rise, there is certainly an increased awareness amongst the general public of security issues, fuelled by police initiatives, insurance requirements and, of course, media coverage. For the locksmith industry, this awareness, coupled with tightened household budgets creates an area of opportunity. While householders looking to increase the security of their property may not have the money to spare for new doors they can be open to solutions that make their existing doors more secure. The security industry made great strides in 2012 in developing standards. For retro-fit situations, we saw the introduction of the new Technical Specification 007 (TS 007), produced by the Door & Hardware Federation and the Glass and Glazing Federation which was designed specifically to address the vulnerability of lock cylinders. Meeting these standards, ERA introduced a number of products, including the Lockguard handle, which meets the standard’s two-star rating and the High Security handle, uniquely designed to protect the cylinder from attack. Offering the best protection against cylinder bumping or snapping is the Vectis Plus, which does away completely with the cylinder and meets all the requirements of PAS 23/24 and Secured by Design with a five-lever lock operation. It is products such as these that signal the opportunities in the retro-fit market. It will require a degree of customer re-education and we shouldn’t just rely on media scare stories to increase awareness of new products. The great opportunity for locksmiths called in to repair or replace existing locks is to offer their customers enhanced levels of security. Like-for-like replacement of the traditional mortice lock/nightlatch may be the easy option, but it is far from the best solution. Security technology has moved on to such a degree that we can now offer customers cylinder-free solutions such as the Vectis Plus, the new British Standard Kitemarked Fortress MPL, high-security handles and anti-bump cylinders – a whole range of solutions which will increase add value to the locksmith’s offer by delivering heightened levels of security to their customers. Security technology moves on all the time. The market has already seen the introduction of keyless technology which is firmly established in the commercial sector and in multi-occupancy dwellings. In reality, in the domestic sector, this technology is unlikely to have a significant impact in the foreseeable future. Going forward, there will be a closer tie-in between electronics and locking systems and the next stage is likely to see the development of electronic fobs for remote locking of doors and windows. Already firmly established in the automotive sector, this is likely to be less of a culture shock for the average householder than keyless technology. For the immediate future, however, the emphasis in the market will be on offering enhanced levels of security to overcome issues such as cylinder bumping, snapping or drilling. In addition to the products we already offer, ERA will continue to introduce new products aimed at the retro-fit market which will enable locksmiths to continue to offer their customers looking to upgrade the security of their homes an affordable, effective solutions.
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Yale Digital Lock
The Yale Keyless Digital Lock is now available without a nightlatch and in two new finishes - Polished Brass and Satin Nickel. The Yale Keyless Digital Lock - for timber doors - allows consumers to access and secure their home using a personalised PIN code, with no need for a traditional key. The lock's PIN code can be set via a keypad to any 4 to 12 digit number of the user's choice and reprogrammed at any time. For added convenience, users can also set up a separate visitor code to provide access for family, friends or tradesmen. From this month, locksmiths can offer the Yale Keyless Digital lock in two new finishes to coordinate with consumers' decor. Dave Herbert, Head of Marketing for Yale, said: "We want locksmiths to have the largest armoury possible to ensure they can meet the requirements of all consumers whatever their chosen lock style is. "We've expanded our offer so the popular Yale Keyless Digital Lock will appeal to those who want to coordinate the product with existing locks throughout their property." Asec range Asec, a security product brand which is sold exclusively through Aldridge Security, the leading distributors of security products is launching a brand new anti-snap range of cylinders and door handles.2012 saw the national media highlight the rise of 'lock snapping' burglaries across the country. Criminals using the 'lock snapping' technique apply excessive force and snap the lock cylinder in two. With this increase there has been an industry response to help combat the growing problem. The new Asec Kite anti-snap range includes cylinders offering a TS 007 1 Star rating, which will give protection and reassurance to end users. The cylinders which are anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-pick and anti-drill are compliant with the BS Kitemark to guarantee quality and safety. In addition to the cylinders the range includes security door handles which have a TS 007 2 Star rating. When combining the cylinders and door furniture the Star rating increases to 3 Star providing the ultimate protection and ensuring the highest security. Ainsley Hawkins, Commercial Director of Aldridge Security explains that the addition of the Kite range to the Asec brand will offer customers a quality solution at a price which is competitive to everyone: "It was important for us to produce a product that meets the highest market requirements yet remains both high quality and price sensitive." The Euro cylinders, which are available in Key & Turn, Half Euro and Key & Key, are compliant to the British Standard BS EN 1303:2005, to offer greater flexibility and increased keying alike options, non Kitemarked Rim & Screw in cylinders are also available. The British Standard gives the Kite range extra security to help prevent 'lock snapping' and 'lock bumping' as Ainsley explains: "We are extremely excited to be able to offer our Customers both a 1 Star and combined 3 Star solution under the new Asec Kite range of products. The cylinders provide the highest grade of durability as well as the greatest corrosion and temperature resistance. In addition they are Grade 1 fire resistant making the cylinders ideal for use on fire doors." This information for our customer on key free access Adams Rite locks.
Adams rite part of the ASSA ABLOY security solutions has updated its keyless entry solutions, with the introduction of the eForce-150. Suitable for the use with Adams Rite deadbolts, deadlatches and exit hardware devices, the battery operated keyless entry control is an alternative to electronic keypads, electric strikes and magnetic locks. The eForce 150 can accommodate up to 150 users, including master,supervisor,emergency and one-time codes for added flexibility and convenience. Featuring a robust clutch to increase protection against vandalism and surface mounting with concealed fixings for a streamlined appearance, the keyless entry control can be programmed via the keypad to operate in three modes – standard, passage and lockout. Supplied in an attractive satin chrome finish, the keyless entry control from Adams Rite can be retro-fitted to existing applications and is suitable for use on perimeter doors. Powered by 4 x AA batteries, other features also include UV stable keypad material, field selectable handling and die cast housing. This latest access control solution, is ideal for a variety of applications where a simple but effective method is required to control passage through a door, plus for end users, keyless operation is easier to manage creating a more secure environment. Also a note on Electric strikes. ES9000 ELECTRIC STRIKE Trimec has successfully tested its ES9000 Pre-Load Electric Strike under rigorous fire safety conditions. The ES9000 Electric strike designed for use in high-security commercial applications was included by Trimac in a 44mm door set tested to BS EN1634-1:2008 at Warrington fire. The doorset was successful and achieved the required 30 minutes. With a holding force of 1300kg, the ES9000 is particularly suitable for use in high- traffic areas, as found I many commercial applications. The weather proof electric strike will serve for all access- control systems, using both open in and open out doors, and will also open under a 25kg side load. ![]() Mul-T-Lock introducess a revolutionary new cylinder system with the capability to control access in set time periods for any business, retail or residential environment. The new Flex Control cylinder, operating from the high security telescopic pin Interactive+ cylinder platform, is presented with a set of colour-coded, patent protected keys to facilitate timed and scheduled access to a premises. Of the keys, a white key ensures full time access, suitable for home or business owners and management. A blue key offers access rights at desired times, and red and green key allows control of the blue key's access to ensure access restrictions when and to whom is required. Flex Control offers a complete solution that is simple to install and maintain to enable access restrictions. It is flexible for use with all workers, whether domestic staff, temporary workers or full time employees. Flex Control has also been cleverly designed in a flexible format, which is available in a wide range of different door cylinder and padlock types. With the patent, additional keys can only be supplied upon presentation of a unique registration card at an authorised Mul-T-Lock Interactive+ dealer. Says Kevin Menzies, Sales Manager at Mul-T-Lock: "As an industry we are fully aware of more advanced levels of opportunist crime affecting businesses and homeowners. But also there is an increase in a new wave of crime, dubbed 'desperation thefts' particularly affecting internal criminal activity in retail, which is now at its highest rate. "The new Flex Control Cylinder can provide reassurance and controlled access to any premises in a simple 90 degree turn of a key in the cylinder. By using the patent protected control keys provided, Mul-T-Lock presents a simple, cost-effective way to control access rights for a business or home using trusted and proven mechanical technology." |
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March 2024
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