Security of your home

What does "registered individual locking cylinder" mean and what are the benefits?

The registered individual locking cylinder affords a high level of protection.  Each cylinder has its own registration number which is engraved on key and cylinder and is noted on a security card.  This security card is handed over to the user purchasing the cylinder.  The related individual locking data (manufacturing data) remain safely preserved at the key manufacturer.  Only against presentation of the security card to the specialist dealer can a user re-order keys from the manufacturer.  This way the user can be absolutely sure that no unauthorized key copies are made. 

Can existing doors be retrofitted with modern security cylinders?

The dimensions of door lock and cylinder are standardized and match each other.  Therefore conventional profile cylinders, for example, can be replaced by security cylinders without much effort.

What are the methods used by burglars today and what protection is available?

The old skeleton key has long been a thing of the past.  Today, burglars mainly use bump keys to pick the lock on the front or basement door by the percussion method, sometimes also referred as  the "rapping technique" or "Code 10" method.  If these doors are fitted with simple locking cylinders, this method is very successful, inconspicuous and fast.  Real protection is only afforded by modern, high-quality locking cylinders of an established brand, for instance the security cylinders (810 RE plus, 910 WR and 810 WP) available from CES.  These "bump-proof" security cylinders are provided with special mechanisms that prevent unauthorized opening of the door.  Another classical method used by burglars is to drill and pull out the cylinder.  But with hard metal inserts in the cylinder hull and the cylinder plug, CES security cylinders also offer protection against that methods - even with special drills, burglars do not stand a chance!

How do I know if an existing cylinder is protected against picking by the percussion method?

Whether or not an existing door cylinder is provided with integrated security elements protecting against drilling or picking by the percussion method can unfortunately not be seen from the outside.  So you have no choice but to go to your locksmith with your key.  Your locksmith can look at the engraved key number and either from his or her documents or by asking the manufacturer tell you whether your cylinder has the desired security characteristics.

What is worse in case of a burglary, the emotional or the material damage?

Even though the material damage caused by burglars is normally compensated by the insurance company - personal belongings of a sentimental value cannot simply be replaced by purchasing a new article.  But the emotional distress suffered by the victims of burglary is much more serious and above all takes much longer to overcome.  In a survey by "Weißer Ring", a German organization dedicated to assist crime victims, 70% of all burglary victims stated that they had suffered emotional damage.  Even 88% are afraid that they could become a victim again.  Yet with only a few preventative measures at the entrance or apartment door, many burglary attempts can be avoided - and thus also the serious consequences for the life of those affected.

What must be observed for the fitting and who can properly fit a security cylinder?

The cylinder must be fitted properly and be flush with a protective armature of a certified quality.  Only then will the lock be protected against unauthorized opening.  Locksmith services and special dealers in security engineering are the right partners to contact for the installation of security cylinders.  Security professionals are trained by the manufacturers of cylinder locks and cooperate with the information centres operated by the police so you can be sure to get competent advice and service.

Are there any manufacturer-independent approval marks for burglar-proof cylinders?

DIN or VdS certified locking cylinders have an intricate interior with a large number of locking elements that prevent unauthorized opening in many ways.  The VdS or DIN certification proves that the cylinder complies with the strict directives issued by the VdS, the accredited certification institution of the German Insurance Association or the DIN standards for burglar-resistant cylinders.  The German testing institution Stiftung Warentest recommends that buyers of security cylinders should at least require a DIN standard certification, or better still certification by VdS.  The high-class CES security cylinders satisfy the exacting requirements of the DIN standards as well as the strict security requirements defined by VdS.  The integrated anti-drilling and anti-pulling features offer additional protection against burglary attempts.

Where can I obtain unbiassed and comprehensive information on the subject of security cylinders?

First of all, you can contact the information centres operated by the police for all your questions surrounding protection against burglars.  And then there are of course the authorized lock dealers - you can easily find the nearest dealer by entering your post code in the Dealer search feature on this website.

How important is the front door in the burglary statistics?

The front door of your house and the entrance to your flat are sensitive points deserving special attention.  According to the Rhineland-Palatinate office of criminal investigation, burglars enter the house or flat in nearly fourty percent of all cases through the door.

What measures do the police recommend?

At the top of their list of measures to prevent burglary, the police recommend: "Install a burglary-resistant lock with a specially protected cylinder in the door and protect both by an armature with additional cylinder cover."  The rationale behind this: thieves tend to avoid risks.  And since the opening attempt usually takes long and produces a lot of noise if the door is well secured, this is a deterrent that works even against the "pros".  Of particular relevance for your security are the exterior doors, such as the front door of the house, the exterior door leading into the basement, the door between the garage and your house and other secondary entrance doors.