Blowtorch Burglary – What It is & How to Prevent it (Expert View)

You may have heard of the recent crime called Blowtorch burglary, we will tell you how to prevent this from happening to your door locks and also how common blowtorch burglary is.

As the UK’s largest locksmith association we are aware of different methods of burglary used by criminals to gain entry.

This information is offered to us by our approved master locksmiths and Police Forces who we have close relationships with.

What is Blowtorch Burglary?

Blowtorch burglary is a method of entry used by thieves where, as the term suggests using a blowtorch to attack door handles and locks.

The crime is not very common across the UK at the moment, as lock snapping is a far more common burglary method used by criminals as it is quicker.

Blowtorch Burglary on uPVC door

Is Blowtorch Burglary on The Rise?

In specifics areas of the UK, blowburch burglary is a growing concern. In Bradford alone, the police have recorded over 250 attempted break-ins using this method over the past decade.

What Type Of Doors & Locks are at Risk to This Crime?

The reports we have seen seem to indicate that blowtorching is being done mostly on uPVC and composite doors.

How Can I Prevent Blowtorch Burglary?

How a SS312 Diamond Approved Cylinder stops a Blowtorch burglary

To protect your home against blowtorch burglary we recommend upgrading your door hardware to the latest security standards.

1. Fit a Anti Snap Lock to your uPVC Door

When fitting an anti-snap lock to help prevent blowtorch burglary, any euro-cylinder lock or hardware fitted to your uPVC or composite door should meet one fo the below standards:

• SS312 Diamond Approved
  This is the highest industry standard for lock security & is specifically tested against lock snapping, thermal attacks,
  What is SS312 Diamond
  View list of Sold Secure approved locks
• or TS007 3 Star Rating
• or 1 + 2 Star combination: you can fit a TS007 1 Star Cylinder alongside a TS007 2 Star Door Furniture such as Door Handle
  Best uPVC Door handle guide

How an Anti Snap lock prevents Blowtorch Burglary

Should a criminal use a blowtorch to melt your door they are trying to reach the lock to snap it. An anti-snap lock fitted prevents this by using a ‘sacrificial’ line.

When the burglar applies force, only the outer section of the lock breaks off. This leaves the core mechanism protected and the door securely locked.

Anti Snap lock has prevented a blowtorch burglary

2. Add Sash Jammers to your Door

Fitting Sash Jammers to your door will prevent your door from opening if the lock is bypassed.

Sash Jammers are cheap & quick security addition to any uPVC, composite or wooden door, which an MLA Approved locksmith can install quickly.

3. Alternative Blowtorch Protection

The TORCHGUARD from Sashstop is a quick and easy addition to any door that can protect against Blowtorch Burglary.

Torchguard fitted to a uPVC Door handle to prevent Blowtorch Burglary

How it Protects against Blowtorch Burglary

The Torchguard deflects heat away, protecting around your handle & lock in the event of a blowtorch attack, as well as being a visual deterrent from any potential attacker.

4. Using a Vetted & Inspected Locksmith

Always use a local master locksmith to specify, supply and fit your security products as fitting any locks incorrectly could put your home or business at risk.

Ultimate Security Combination to Prevent Blowtorch Burglary

To achieve maximum door security you may wish to fit:

1. SS312 Diamond Cylinder Lock AND
2. SS301 Bronze Handle/Escutcheon
   OR
3. TS007 3 Star Cylinder Lock AND
4. TS007 2 Star Door Handle/Escutcheon

For maximum security, we recommend a ‘belt and braces’ approach. Combining an SS312 Diamond cylinder with a security-rated handle is the most effective defense against lock snapping & blowtorch burglary

False Media Reports about using TS007 1 Star

Recent national media reports have incorrectly suggested that fitting a TS007 1-Star euro cylinder will stop a blowtorch burglary. This is factually incorrect.

A 1-star cylinder is not tested to resist lock snapping by itself.

For maximum protection, any euro-cylinder lock MUST be rated TS007 3-Star or ideally SS312 Diamond approved.

Related Reading

• What is Lock Snapping – and how to prevent it
• Most Secure Lock to Prevent Lock Snapping
• Home Security Advice – Top 18 Tips