It’s almost Christmas time and the winter cold is here! It’s all so exciting buying presents, decorating the house and getting all stocked up on the yummy festive food. Maybe you’re going to see family on the other side of the country, or you’re just taking a holiday abroad to escape the winter chills. Whatever you’re up to this Christmas just bear in mind that Christmas is the perfect incentive to commit burglaries, therefore the busiest time in the burglars calendar! They know exactly where to look. According to the Guardian almost three-quarters of us Brits feel more at risk of burglary over Christmas. Homes are 22% more likely to be burgled on the 31st of December than on a normal average day.

At KEYS4U Locksmith we are passionate about safety and security, so here are a few tips to ensure you and all those expensive gifts are safe!

Be cautious of what you write on social media. As it is one of the happiest times of the year, it’s understandable that you want to share it with all your friends, family and other followers on social media. However, providing such information like going out of town for a few days, you may be leaving yourself vulnerable as it is a perfect way for burglars to make a strategic break in plan. What’s better for thieves than knowing that there’s less of a risk of them getting caught? Pick an alarm system! Burglars bypass houses that require effort. If they can clearly see you have an alarm system or a CCTV system in place, chances are they’ll avoid it. However, if they don’t, according to Yale, 60% of burglaries on homes with alarm systems failed. There are various types of home alarm systems, each with its own level of security. We source and fit the lot, from basic bells-only alarms through to 24/7 alarms with annual inspection and maintenance contracts included. Don’t hide your keys! Now this an obvious one, but as a professional locksmith it’s shocking to see how many people still do this. Burglars know every trick in the book, so don’t try hiding your keys in the obvious places like under the plant pot or door mat- come on anyone could guess those places! If you really need to hide a key, invest in a key safe and choose a code that is not so related to you and install it in a discrete place. Make your home appear occupied. Even if you’re not at home for the night, make it look like someone is home. I do this by keeping the curtains closed but not all the way, and I either keep the TV on or keep a light on. You can get light timers for both inside and outside your home. Dead locks Security Dead locks Security is important for enhancing the security of your property. Many of our clients have closed the door behind them without locking the chub lock. The assumption that your property is secure, just by closing the door behind you is very misleading and can leave you very vulnerable to break ins. It is always worthwhile engaging the chub type of lock which will leave your property much more secure and give you peace of mind while you carry out your daily business. They are also much more difficult to open for intruders. - To read more about Dead locks security from our previous blog, click here!

Qualified Locksmiths

So you are locked out of your property…… You have just moved into a new flat and want the locks changed…… You have lost your car keys and need a new key cut. There are many reasons why one might call upon a locksmith, and sure enough one will come, but is he/she qualified? It is important for the you the customer to be pro active about ensuring any security related jobs you require are carried out by qualified tradesman. The 2 main independent bodies that run courses for Locksmiths are the UKLA, (United kingdom Locksmith Association), and the MLA, (Master Locksmith Association). These courses vary in length, structure, teaching style and cover almost all possible issues that may arise for a locksmith.  From how to pick a padlock to installing a lock, cutting a simple key or knowing where to drill on a safe. There is nothing wrong with asking what qualifications the tradesman you have called upon has. In fact, I would think it prudent to do so. Remember it’s your security, or the security of your family, colleagues, that you are dealing with.

Sturdy Safes

Recently I was lucky enough to get my hands on some Rottner safes. The sheer weight of even the smallest one we purchased, which has a valuables rating of £100’000,  was a good indication of how much high grade dense metal was used to produce the Sturdy Safes. I don’t want to promote any specific brand and I am no safe expert, but these are the best made safes that I have come across thus far in my career . Rottner Atlas EN1, Somoa, (both keyed models) and the Sydney (EL, electronic), are beautiful to look at and very well made, i know that as i have spent many hours of tinkering with them and have enjoyed testing them. They are currently standing proud in our shop and people seem to be drawn in by the mere sight of them. We still stock great Chubb and Yale safes…but new toys…….:)

See more at www.keys4ulocksmith.co.uk

A day with a Locksmith

Last Thursday the 15th of May I had the pleasure of spending the day with a Keys4ulocksmith technician named Joseph. This was to see how the engineers work and to evaluate whether they need to implement any changes with regards to how they approach individual jobs on-site. I must say I was very impressed by the Locksmiths attitude when dealing with customers as well as his work ethic in general.

He explained every detail to the client letting them know of any work that he would need to do, the parts needed to complete the job as well as the prices and security models available before any work was carried out. He made sure he cleaned up any mess after the job was done, (well he always offered), and ensured the customer checked all the work was finished to a high standard before leaving the premises. On two of the jobs he fixed minor issues with the alignment of the “hooks” used in upvc mechanisms, so that the doors locked more smoothly. He did this at no extra cost to the customer.


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Security Lock Types

One questions we get from customers calling us for new lock fittings are – what type of lock should we get? Or, as it's often put – what's the cheapest lock I can install that doesn't snap open at the slightest pull?

 

Security vs. budget is indeed a major concern, that's why we at KEYS4U take pride in our competitive rates on locks from all ranges and purposes – and we guarantee to find a solution for everyone's price range and security requirements.

 

So what types of locks are available for you?

 

Night Latches – The most standard lock you can think of. You won't find many doors without it, and therefore it is relatively cheap – and relatively easy to break

 

Rim/mortice lock – Better known in the UK as “The Bottom Lock”. Offer slightly better security, usually added to the night latches as a an extra deterrent. Often come in the 3 or 5 lever variations, the latter being the more secure one.

 

Mul-T-Locks – the most secure lock around, with advanced coding technology embedded into it. They are virtually impossible to pick or break. When you install one of these locks, you get an authorization code, which you have to use if you want to make extra keys cut, and only certified vendors (and KEYS4U among them) are allowed to install these locks and cut keys for them.

 

The choice of lock is up to your consideration and budget. We believe that your home security is something worth investing in. Too often, we get emergency call-outs from people whose flats were broken into using the simplest tools – credit card, screwdriver – since they only had the most simple, cheapest lock installed. If someone is out to commit burglary, it’s our job to make it impossible for them to break into your house in particular – and for that, the more secure a lock the better! Call our offices today and get a free quote and home security consultation, and perhaps even book an appointment for a new lock fitting!