Dear Nathan

Having read the letter in last week’s Glazine from Ken Evans at Securistyle, I would like to add my support to his comments regarding the launch of the TS007 security standard and recent statements by Steve Stewart at ABS Secure.

Ken is absolutely right to point out that, while Steve Stewart is technically correct in saying that cylinder snapping isn’t covered by BSI standards, he conveniently fails to mention that it is however covered in both PAS24: 2011 and in the newly launched TS007 standard for replacement cylinders and associated security hardware.

TS007 was officially launched at the recent MLA Expo in Telford with the backing not only of the GGF, DHF, BSi and Secured by Design but also of the vast majority of manufacturers, suppliers and test houses, including Mila.

It has been introduced precisely because of the increasing number of burglaries taking place with the method of entry being cylinder snapping and has been developed to give manufacturers, locksmiths and consumers a clear and simple framework to work to.

As Ken stated, the standard requires either a cylinder or a cylinder with security hardware to be fitted to achieve the three star rating for accreditation. Fitting a three star cylinder is the quickest method of achieving the standard but it is also possible to fit a one star cylinder with a two star security cylinder guard or a one star cylinder with a two star security handle.

Crucially, TS007 allows different methods of achieving the standard including focusing on the visual deterrent which Mila considers to be of vital importance; and it quite deliberately does not restrict ingenuity or progress in developing products which offer the necessary resistance.

Also, because TS007 is a TS (Technical Specification) and not a BS standard, it can be modified in the future much more quickly and simply than a BS standard to cover different methods of attack as they evolve.

I believe that the introduction of TS007 is a great example of the vast majority of the hardware and security industry working together to develop a fair and workable solution which can be used and understood by the public, locksmiths, local authorities and manufacturers alike.

With recent surveys highlighting the continuing importance which consumers place on window and door security, there is now a massive opportunity for manufacturers and installers to use the launch of TS007 to win new and, perhaps more importantly in the current market, retrofit business.

For this reason, Mila has decided to host a series of breakfast seminars at the Mila Test Centre during November to explain exactly what TS007 means and to demonstrate how customers can choose their own preferred package of products in order to achieve compliance. We will be offering expert, objective advice and support and there will be no hard sell.

To register for a place, please email ts007@mila.co.uk or call: 01327 312400.

Strafford Cooke
Technical Manager
Mila