A Solution to the Bumping Problem with Kitemark Approval from VBH-Wagner

In terms of hardware, 2006 was the year of cylinder snapping and extraction. This was a short-lived 'crisis' as hardware companies such as VBH-Wagner quickly solved the problem by introducing counter measures, such as sacrificial break cylinders, additional cylinder protection devices and strengthened handle backplates.

In a bid to stay one step ahead, the criminal element has now turned to brain rather than brawn and 'bumping' became the hot topic, and has been a major concern for door manufacturers and specifiers.

As most people now know, bumping is a term used to describe a method of manually manipulating the tumblers of a profile cylinder with a specially modified key to allow the cylinder to be operated, thus negating any security afforded by the door's multi-point lock.

Although qualified locksmiths have long used bumping as a means of opening doors where keys have been lost, the knowledge of how to carry out the practice is a dangerous thing in the wrong hands.

More detail does not need to be entered into here, as enough publicity has already been given to this topic, introducing a method of gaining entry to those who would not normally be aware of it.

VBH-Wagner has received many enquiries for an answer to the bumping problem, and turned to long-standing cylinder supplier Kaba GeGe for a solution.

The Swiss company quickly recognised the seriousness of the problem after feedback from its UK distributor and has now introduced the GeGe RAM (Resistance Against Manipulation) profile cylinder.

GeGe RAM has been tested and approved by both the BSI and Master Locksmiths Association, and carries a Kitemark to prove it. In fact, Kaba GeGe claim that it is the ONLY euro profile cylinder with a Kitemark at the time of writing (October 2007).

GeGe RAM is a 6 pin open profile KITEMARK security euro cylinder that provides protection against picking, drilling AND bumping. The open profile aspect is a boon to householders who will still be able to obtain spare keys on the high street, although as the keys are different to the company's standard type it is easy to identify the RAM cylinder.

VBH-Wagner state that RAM is the easy solution as it can be fitted in the factory or quickly retro-fitted on site to upgrade existing installations. Once RAM is fitted, the door is protected against bumping for life, and the cylinder does not need to be replaced each time bumping is attempted.

The product is available from VBH-Wagner in nickel and brass finishes and in the usual sizes ranging from 35/40 up to 45/55.

Thumb-turn, half and rim cylinders are also available.

Contact VBH-Wagner on sales@wagnergb.com for price and availability, quoting 'RAM'.