As we move into the spring months, security is a key focus for trade professionals. Each year, approximately 11% of the UK’s population move home with spring being the most popular time*. As a result, homeowners are keen to protect their new property and so merchants should be promoting security solutions to cope with the increase in demand.

Understanding the latest security legislation will help to position merchants as experts, offering customer’s guidance and reassurance that you’re stocking quality, reliable products.

When it comes to door and window security, the most common standards include PAS24, BS3621, TS007 and TS008. To achieve accreditation, products are tested for weather tightness, endurance and security.

When a product meets the required security standard, they are awarded the BSI Kitemark, which can be found on product packaging and the products themselves. This stamp of approval can also act as a visual deterrent to potential thieves. BS7950 covers window security, PAS24 is door security and BS3621 looks at the lock mechanism itself, all ensuring that the door or window hardware is protected from physical attack.

Stocking British Standard door hardware such as cylinders, handles and hinges, lets customers know they are getting reliable products that will stand the test of time and meet government requirements. This, in turn, should reduce the number of call outs for trade professionals.

Additionally, merchants should make customers aware that having British Standard hardware fitted can reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums by up to 5%, making it a worthwhile investment to save money.

TS007 and TS008 are technical specifications that outline a set of requirements a product must meet or exceed. TS007 is a security standard for replacement cylinders and protective door furniture that was introduced amid concerns over the growth in lock-snapping crimes. The TS007 standard uses a three star system, in which the cylinder or a combination of security furniture must have an accumulative three stars to meet the minimum-security requirements.

The TS008 is a new specification and aims to provide a classification for the enhanced security of letter plates in response to lock manipulation and key fishing attacks.

Offering British Standard door and window furniture also provides merchants with the opportunity to upsell additional products to meet the maximum-security standard and make properties as secure as possible. For example, if a customer is buying a cylinder lock, consider suggesting a new cylinder pull and handle to accompany the door set and achieve a higher level of security.

Security is being brought to the forefront of the industry with the introduction of Approved Document Q. The latest addition to the Building Regulations states all new doors and windows should be made to a design that has been shown, by test, to meet the security requirements of PAS24 (or other standards that meet or exceed PAS24).

Having a consistent security standard makes it easier for merchants to provide customers with information about compliant hardware, as well as delivering a clear message when it comes to security. This makes the specification process much more straightforward and time effective.

Having standard compliant security products is a necessity for properties, providing merchants with a number of opportunities to sell to a wide range of markets including: local authorities, specifiers, homeowners, housebuilders and housing associations.

*Royal Mail

Stephen Roberts is marketing manager for security specialist, Yale.