Sold Secure Certification

Sold Secure Testing & Certification

'Sold Secure' certification is a practical guide for any potential buyer, as to the effectiveness of various types of physical security product such as; padlocks, chains, ground anchors, etc. against likely forms of attack.
Sold Secure is a non-profit making organisation dedicated to reducing the risk of crime by the assessment of security products. Established in 1992 by Northumbria and Essex Police with the help and backing of the Home Office, it is now administered by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) and works from purpose built laboratories.

The scheme has close ties with a number of constabularies and insurers who provide regular information regarding the methods of theft and the tools utilised by criminals in their areas. This helps to maintain up to date specifications and means security products can be assessed in the light of the risk they are likely to encounter when in use. New products are tested by a highly motivated team of professional locksmiths under the direction of the Chief Executive. A small board of directors meet regularly to administer the scheme and move the process forward in keeping with modern theft methods.

Sold Secure's only source of income is from the fees it levies to undertake its work. As the company does not have to pay dividends to shareholders however, it is able to offer its services at very competitive rates and all surplus income is reinvested in crime prevention.

Manufacturers and suppliers can apply to have their products approved by Sold Secure. Products which have been satisfactorily assessed may bear the Sold Secure Quality Mark. Information on these approved products is circulated by Sold Secure to crime prevention officers, insurance companies, the media, the Home Office and the public, and is available free to those who require it.

It is the Mission of Sold Secure to test and provide professional and accurate advice regarding effective security products to Commercial Customers, the Insurance Industry, the Home Office, the Police and the Public.

The precise nature of Sold Secure tests varies from product type to product type. Each test however involves a series of attempted attacks, on the product under test, by an experienced tester intent on defeating that product. Strict time limits are set for each attack and each attack will be conducted using any item(s) the tester chooses to use from a predefined selection of typically available and used tools. To ensure that products are tested effectively, testers will normally have access to product manufacturing drawings prior to the physical test, thus allowing them the opportunity to plan the most effective form of attack.

A Guide to Levels of Sold Secure Certification;

Bronze Certification
Products offer theft resistance against the basic tool list (aimed at preventing opportunist crime)

Silver Certification
Products offer theft resistance against an enhanced tool list (aimed at preventing dedicated attacks)

Gold Certification (Highest Approval)
Products offer theft resistance against the full tool list (aimed at preventing dedicated attacks)

What Sold Secure means to you

• a Sold Secure approved product has successfully withstood twelve different attack methods of five minutes each before being awarded its certificate.
• the average thief will give up after two and a half minutes because of the risk of discovery