High Security Locks & Anti-Snap Cylinders — Oakham & Rutland
Cylinder snapping is the most common burglary method on uPVC and composite doors in the UK. A standard cylinder can be defeated in under 30 seconds. Inta-Lock installs Avocet ABS and ASSA ABLOY TS007 3-star anti-snap cylinders across Rutland, Leicestershire and the surrounding counties — direct replacement, no door modification, stock carried on the van.
Understanding Lock Snapping — and How to Stop It
Lock snapping is a forced entry technique that exploits a design weakness in standard euro cylinders. Using a simple tool, a burglar applies force to the exposed end of the cylinder, snapping it at a weak point. This removes the outer section and exposes the internal cam that operates the lock. The door can then be opened in seconds — without a key, without making significant noise and without specialist knowledge.
The technique became widespread across the UK from the mid-2000s and now accounts for the majority of break-ins on homes fitted with uPVC and composite doors. These door types are overwhelmingly fitted with euro cylinders as standard. The NNAL and the Home Office both flag cylinder snapping as a primary concern in domestic burglary prevention guidance.
The solution is straightforward: replace the standard cylinder with a TS007 3-star rated anti-snap cylinder. Anti-snap cylinders are engineered with a sacrificial snap point — if forced, the outer section breaks away harmlessly while the internal cam mechanism remains intact and protected. The door cannot be opened even if the cylinder is partially destroyed.
Inta-Lock fits Avocet ABS and ASSA ABLOY cylinders — both tested to TS007 3-star standard and carried on the van for same-day installation. Direct replacement for any standard euro cylinder. No door modification required.
What Anti-Snap Cylinders Protect Against
TS007 3-star certified cylinders protect against every common forced entry technique. A single upgrade addresses multiple vulnerabilities simultaneously.
Why Your Current Cylinder Probably Needs Replacing
If your home has a uPVC or composite door, it almost certainly has a standard euro cylinder. Here is a direct comparison with a TS007 3-star anti-snap upgrade.
| Security Feature | ✗ Standard Cylinder | ✓ Anti-Snap TS007 |
|---|---|---|
| Snap attack resistant | No — snapped in <30 seconds | Yes — sacrificial snap point |
| Anti-pick | Minimal | Yes — security pins |
| Anti-drill | Minimal | Yes — hardened steel inserts |
| Anti-bump | No | Yes — bump resistant pins |
| Anti-pull | No | Yes — reinforced body |
| TS007 3-star rating | No | Yes — BSI certified |
| Insurance accepted | Not always | Yes — most UK insurers |
| Door modification needed | N/A | None — direct replacement |
| Brands stocked by Inta-Lock | N/A | Avocet ABS & ASSA ABLOY |
Recent Lock Upgrade Jobs by Inta-Lock
Real installations across Rutland and the East Midlands.
Which Doors Can Be Upgraded?
Avocet ABS and ASSA ABLOY anti-snap cylinders are compatible with the vast majority of doors fitted with euro cylinders across Rutland and the East Midlands.
Lock Upgrade FAQs
Will an anti-snap cylinder work on my existing door?
Yes, in almost all cases. Anti-snap cylinders are made to the same dimensions as standard euro cylinders, so they fit directly into any door already fitted with a euro cylinder. This covers the vast majority of uPVC, composite and aluminium doors in the UK. No modification to your door, handle or frame is needed. We measure and confirm the correct size before fitting.
What is the difference between Avocet ABS and ASSA ABLOY?
Both are TS007 3-star certified and provide excellent protection against snapping, picking, drilling and bumping. Avocet ABS is the most widely recommended anti-snap cylinder in the UK residential market — specifically designed around the snap-resistance requirement. ASSA ABLOY is a world-leading manufacturer offering commercial-grade security for residential use. Matt will advise the most appropriate option for your specific door and situation on site.
Does upgrading my cylinder affect my home insurance?
Most UK home insurance policies accept or actively require TS007 3-star rated cylinders on external doors. Some insurers will reduce premiums or remove exclusions related to forced entry when anti-snap cylinders are fitted. Check your specific policy wording, but in general a TS007 3-star upgrade is a positive step from an insurance perspective. The NNAL recommends checking your policy after any security upgrade.
Can you upgrade my locks at the same time as a lock change?
Yes — and this is what we recommend. If you are having locks changed for any reason (moving home, lost keys, post-burglary), upgrading to anti-snap at the same time adds only a modest additional cost but significantly improves your security. Both can be completed in a single visit. See our Locks Changed page for more.
How long does a cylinder upgrade take?
Most single cylinder upgrades take under 30 minutes from arrival to completion. If you have multiple doors to upgrade, allow around 20–30 minutes per door. Inta-Lock carries stock on the van so there is no waiting for parts — we arrive with the correct cylinders and complete the job in a single visit.
My door is a timber door with a mortice lock — can you still upgrade it?
Timber doors typically use mortice locks rather than euro cylinders. Anti-snap cylinders are not applicable here. However, we carry British Standard 5-lever mortice locks (BS3621) which provide the highest level of security for timber doors and are required by most home insurance policies. See our Locks Changed page or call to discuss. We will always advise the correct security solution for your specific door type.
More: About Inta-Lock • Full FAQ • Contact us
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Protect Your Home — Book an Anti-Snap Upgrade
Same-day service available. Stock carried on the van. Avocet ABS & ASSA ABLOY TS007 3-star cylinders fitted across Rutland and the East Midlands.