Sold Secure are a independent company that aim to set the standard for all types of locks and security.
They test locks in order to give them a rating, so that we, as consumers, can easily compare the different levels of security on offer.
Who are Sold Secure?
The Northumbria and Essex police forces founded Sold Secure in 1992 with the goal of reducing crime by systematically testing and evaluating a wide range of security devices.
They are now owned by the UK’s Master Locksmiths Association, based in a lab in Rugby.
Their website states they are “the foremost testing and certification house for security products,” and who are we to argue?
Sold Secure is now run by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), and it uses several purpose-built UK test labs for testing, evaluation, and product certification.
Sold Secure’s mission is to evaluate security solutions and offer reliable, qualified advice to business clients, the insurance sector, the home office, law enforcement, and the general public.
What are the different Sold Secure Ratings?
There are four different grades that a product can achieve in order to receive the highly sought-after Sold Secure authorised quality label, but it’s vital to note that the grade must be viewed in the context of the test criteria. (For instance, SS101 Motorcycle Gold grading and SS 104 Bicycle Gold grading are not the same.)
In addition to testing to a number of British and European Standards, such as BS EN 14450 for safe testing and BS 7558 for gun cabinets, Sold Secure also does product-specific testing in accordance with Sold Secure Test Specifications.
There are four possible levels of theft resistance for each specification: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and occasionally Diamond. It should be noted that not all standards have all four levels, and Sold Secure frequently adds new testing tiers in response to market need.
Consumers can compare products and make educated decisions about purchases with ease thanks to our straightforward classification system. The lowest acceptable security level is Bronze, while the highest is Diamond.
The different Sold Secure ratings
The table below offers a basic summary of the different ratings that Sold Secure awards and how they go about testing products.
Rating
Description
Attack Methods
Bicycle Bronze
An adequate amount of defence against the opportunistic thief. A deterrent for usage in a low-risk region.
1-minute hand tool attack that can be hidden around the subject
Bicycle Gold / Motor Scooter Silver
A strong defence against the committed thief. for usage in a high-risk location, like the heart of London
5-minute assault using more advanced tools
Bicycle Diamond / Motorcycle and Scooter Gold
An extremely high security grade to thwart the most determined attacks in the environments with the greatest danger.
5-minute attack using even more advanced instruments, including some machine-based testing and power tool testing in addition to physical attack testing.
Motorcycle Diamond
Top-tier security grade, for use in high-risk environments.
A 5-minute attack with high-spec power tools and cutting tools.
Ground Anchor Diamond
Top-tier security grade, for use in high-risk environments.
As above but utilising more tools.
How do products get tested by Sold Secure?
Manufacturers and suppliers must submit an application for Sold Secure to evaluate their goods.
They provide a free initial consultation during which the product is assessed to identify the category and grade it should be tested to.
In order to have your products evaluated by Sold Secure, you need to pay a fee based on the certification you’re aiming to achieve.
There’s no point in submitting a basic bicycle chain, hoping it will meet the Gold standard as it’ll fail. So Sold Secure work with each brand to evaluate their product before it’s submitted for testing. If it beats a certain level of test, it can be submitted to the next highest level.
Sold Secure enjoys collaborating closely with clients to raise the standard of goods available on the market.
Products are scrutinised for any evident flaws in the design or construction because Sold Secure don’t want customers to submit goods for testing that are obviously doomed to failure.
Where can I buy Sold Secure products?
Whether you’re buying a motorcycle disc locks, a bicycle D-lock or a car steering wheel clamp, you’ll find that pretty much every local retailer to you will sell security products with the Sold Secure logo.
You can even check out the Sold Secure website where they list all of the products with the Sold Secure ratings their achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Sold Secure Gold and Diamond?
Do I need a Sold Secure Gold lock?
Why aren’t all locks Sold Secure rated?