For what it's worth

 I ordered one of these - the highest-security level of Euro lock -  online from Screwfix, and was alarmed at their lax security, on two fronts.

Firstly, the key code (which allows a new key to be ordered) is not on a separate card (which appears to be the norm for other makes) but is - according to Screwfix when I called them - the number that is engraved on the key. So anyone who I lend a key to (or anyone who can get sight of my key) can note the number, get a key made, and they then have access to my house whenever they want it.

Secondly, the lock comes in an ordinary cardboard box which can be opened and reclosed without evidence that this has happened. Perhaps this was OK in a shop in the days when customers were anonymous, but a complete no-no for mail order (or for shops that collect customer email or address). All it would take would be for someone to open the box, record the key code, then note the customer address and then they can get a key cut with a good chance that this will offer front-door access to the address they have. Tamper-evident packaging would sort this problem very simply.

I would recommend not buying this online from Screwfix until they sort out these two issues. Even buying the lock for cash in a store (Screwfix, or - I think - B&Q) has the risk of the engraved key code - and a risk (albeit less than for mail order) that someone might record the key codes for the locks in a store and then match them up to addresses captured at the point of sale.

# posted by John Geddes @ 1:09 pm