Secure kerb appeal from ARRONE
Style blends with security in a letterplate newly launched by ARRONE, designed to help protect homeowners from ‘letterbox fishing’ while offering sleek design and ultimate functionality.
The anti-theft features of the letterplate offer vital defence against opportunist burglars by preventing anyone from fishing for house keys.
The slimline innovation’s timely arrival follows the latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), showing that from April 2022 to March 2023, 72% of burglaries happened via entry through a door.
The AR708HS TS 008:2022 tested letterplate from ARRONE, a HOPPE Group brand, also adheres to crime prevention advice from the Metropolitan Police, which recommends adding letterbox protection to front doors to prevent handbags and keys being stolen.
The role of door hardware in crime prevention
While the overall trend indicates that we’re becoming much savvier when it comes to security, the statistics demonstrate the role quality door hardware can play in preventing opportunist burglars from gaining access.
Andy Matthews, head of sales at HOPPE (UK) says that with doors remaining a target, it’s important to consider hardware, not just technology, in security measures.
“Homeowners are becoming much more aware of the need to protect their property, but the rise of the video doorbells and other smart devices mean that when considering their home security, they often think of the latest technology and other visual deterrents like burglar alarms first. They sometimes aren’t aware of the role that high quality door hardware plays in deterring and even preventing certain burglary methods,” says Andy.
One of those methods is letterbox fishing: a common technique used by criminals to steal possessions within easy reach of a door. This can be prevented through the addition of a security shroud – sometimes referred to as a letterplate restrictor or security hood – on the inside of the door, but these can often be quite bulky and therefore off-putting for homeowners.
Designed with protection in mind
To overcome this issue, ARRONE has launched its new AR708HS TS 008:2022 tested letterplate.
Commenting on its security features, Andy added: “The new ARRONE TS 008:2022 letterplate has an anti-theft steel guard solution with a slimline cover on the inside of the door offering a more discreet finish that will suit the décor of any home.Its projection of just 21mm also means the cover will not restrict door opening, even when fully open.
“This is because of the non-intrusive design, which includes an adjustable stepped internal sleeve to prevent the internal flap of the letterplate from being fully opened. This, combined with steel side guard plates, offers protection against letterbox fishing and letterbox manipulation, while still allowing post to pass freely through the letterbox.”
Security tested
The AR708HS letterplate has been tested to TS 008:2022.
This is the latest technical specification for enhanced security and general requirements applicable to letterplate assemblies and slide through letter boxes.
It is a means to assess product performance against opportunist attacks.
All new doors fitted with a letterplate must pass this standard to be PAS 24 and Document Q compliant.
The AR708HS has also undergone a 20,000-cycle flap test and 480 hours of neutral salt spray test on external flap.
For flat and apartment entrance doors, there is also a fire-rated version of the letterplate, the AR708FHS available, complete with an intumescent kit. This is compatible for use with both 30-minute and 60-minute fire doors.
Design, with function
Customers are also looking for hardware that offers design flair and a range of finishes to match door and window hardware without compromising on design.
The new letterplate is available in seven finishes – anthracite, black, chrome, graphite, satin chrome, white and brass, and can be used on both 44mm and 54mm door thicknesses. AR708HS is also available in a split finish, offering a combination of a white internal flap to match a home’s interior, with the external available in white, as well as the other six finishes.
It can match other suited products within the ARRONE range including door handles, knockers and numerals. The suited collection has been designed with mass appeal in mind, while offering high-quality ironmongery in a variety of finishes that complement both contemporary and traditional door designs.
As well as the AR708HS TS 008:2022 tested letterplate and suited range, ARRONE has a comprehensive offering of architectural ironmongery products for the commercial and residential sectors. This includes door closing devices, panic and emergency hardware, door and pull handles, hinges, locks, cylinders, signage, and accessories. Products are extensively tested and certified.
For more information on the AR708HS,AR708HS AR708HS – Letter Plates/Complementary Products – HOPPE
