Open Door - Larkhall Locksmith News

LockRite Locksmith Larkhall News & Updates

The latest locksmith news and updates from LockRite's Larkhall Locksmith, Wullie.

Read our latest posts for home security tips, Larkhall securty news, and more.

Wullie, Your LockRite Larkhall Locksmith

Customer Review - William Andrew - a star!

Fantastic service here. Called and within about 30' William had arrived, changed the locks and cut three new keys. He also did some minor adjustment to the door drop and fixed another internal lock. Superb and worthy of high recommendation. - John Di Mambro Would You Recommend Our Services? : Yes

Customer Review - Great service

After a burglary overnight, we needed a new lock fitted on the front door. William arrived mid morning and fitted the lock quickly. Excellent friendly service, and William advised us on security alarms, which we're now seriously considering. - Mr G Smith Would You Recommend Our Services? : Yes | Rating : Five Star Review

Customer Review - Lock RIGHT!

A fast, efficient, professional and friendly - Wullie even changed his schedule to fit mine - Mrs N Brown Would You Recommend Our Services? : Yes | Rating : Five Star Review

Reasons to Get Your Locks Changed

Lock Snapping

Lock Snapping is a technique used by burglars which involves breaking a specific kind of cylinder lock, allowing the intruder to quickly and easily gain admittance to the house. If the correct amount of force is applied to the cylinder, it will snap and provide easy access to the lock mechanism. Lock Snapping has grown to become more widespread over the past several years as it requires no specialized hardware or expert knowledge, simply the force of a mallet, mole grips or anything else that can grab and take hold of a lock cylinder is sufficient to obtain entry. Many readily accessible videos online demonstrate the shocking force, speed and simplicity of the technique that intruders are utilising to get into houses throughout the country, with Larkhall no exception to this unsettling criminal trend. One online video which we have seen reveals how thieves can get access to a cylinder even if it isn't protruding from the handle. In cases like this the handle is shown literally being ripped from the door, the cylinder exposed and the locking mechanism compromised making use of household tools such as a mallet and screwdriver. Other home security measures which are in place on your door including shoot-bolts, dead-bolts, roller keeps and anti lift bars are rendered useless because once the lock cylinder is broken and removed from your door the intruder can reach the locking mechanism with a screwdriver or similar tools. As soon as the locking mechanism is compromised your door will be unlocked and provide easy access, burglars have even been known to gain entry to houses with security alarms fitted employing this technique due to the speed of access.  The majority of lock repairs can be completed by your Larkhall locksmith within the hour (depending on the degree of damage to the door. Doors and locks with significant damage may take a bit longer to repair). A recent TV documentary revealed how a former burglar, without prior experience of snapping locks, could use this technique to get into to a house within 40 seconds, even he admitted how shocked he was at the simplicity and speed of gaining access, he said an experienced lock snapper would possibly gain access within fifteen seconds.  Another ex- burglar admitted that even if he had the best lock picks in the country, he would rather break the lock cylinder because "it's simpler and much less difficult". Police say it's approximated around 22 million doors throughout the country might be at risk from lock snapping where the lock cylinder can be broken in mere seconds.  Your LockRite locksmith Larkhall is an expert in fitting anti-snap locks.

What Locks Are Susceptible

Locks which are in danger of lock snapping are Euro Cylinder profiles, and any locks which protrude beyond 3mm of the handle. The more the lock cylinder protrudes from the door the more prone to tampering it becomes as it is much easier to clasp and take hold of, but even if a lock cylinder doesn't protrude from the handle it still isn't resistant to tampering, something which our Larkhall locksmith understands only too well. Euro Cylinders are normally installed in uPVC doors. Various kinds of Euro Cylinder include: The Single Cylinder, which gives key entry from one side only, The Double Cylinder which provides key entry from the front and back of the door and The Double Cylinder with Thumbturn that offers key entry from one side and employs a thumbturn on the other side of the door. The lock cylinders are available with various types of locking mechanisms, these could be disc tumbler, pin tumbler, and wafer tumbler locks. Cylinder Locks may be found in a variety of sizes and profiles to suit specific door sizes, but the profile vulnerable to lock snapping by thieves is referred to as the Euro Profile.

Anti-Snap Locks

Locks that are of a TS007 3 Star standard (better known as 'anti-snap' locks) are cylinders that meet the requirements to withstand lock snapping attacks. Anti-Snap lock cylinders feature an integrated 'break-off' component that will come away if a burglar was to try to snap the lock, making the cylinder shorter, consequently making it more tricky to grasp. With the assistance of built in grip defenders it makes getting hold of the cylinder even more challenging. Moreover anti-snap locks have a toughened bar which will not break, it will only bend making snapping practically impossible. Ensure your current locks do not over extend. If they appear to be vulnerable you may want to think about getting them changed by your LockRite Larkhall locksmith. We can easily install anti-snap cylinders to your doors to protect you from this form of attack.  Call us on 01698 678608 for a free, no obligation quote.

Lock Changes by LockRite Locksmiths Larkhall

We can fix damage to your doors and repair or change all locks which have been damaged during the course of a burglary. Just bought a new home?  Do you have any idea how many other people may have keys to your house? Often, home owners will unintentionally keep door keys or forget that they have another set when they move and purchase someplace new. Not only that but copies of the keys may have been made for relatives or friends to get in when the homeowners were on holiday. For your security and ease of mind your locksmith Larkhall can exchange the locks in your premises and ensure that you're the only person who has the new keys.

Thieves Targeting Houses With Locksmith Stickers

Thieves are using stickers advertising a fictitious local locksmith company to mark homes which are an 'easy target'. The criminals carry out a preliminary reconnaissance on the area and mark houses which are deemed as having poor security measures in place. They later return to break into the houses which have already been marked as targets. The authorities are advising residents to remove the stickers immediately if they see any on their doors or windows. Is your home secure?  Call us today on 01698 678608 to arrange a security check on your premises. You can read more about this story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-24994148

Why You Should Choose LockRite When Looking For a Locksmith in Larkhall

There are several good reasons why you should consider choosing LockRite when looking for a locksmith in Larkhall.

  • All our locksmiths are DBS (CRB) checked which means they do not have a hidden criminal past.
  • The price quoted is the price you pay. We do not artificially inflate prices on the doorstep like some unscrupulous locksmith companies.
  • LockRite is a national and trusted brand but all our locksmiths are self employed individuals who live within, or close to, your area.  By choosing LockRite you are choosing to support local business, keeping money within your local economy.
  • If it is an emergency we can usually be on our way to you immediately and we will show up (unlike some companies who say they will but don't, wasting your time).
Call us now on 01698 678608 for a free, no obligation quote.

Tips For Choosing a Locksmith in Larkhall

There are many factors to consider when choosing a locksmith in Larkhall.  Our checklist below should help you when making a decision.

  • Check the locksmith is DBS (CRB) checked.  This will reveal whether they have a hidden criminal past.  You need someone you can trust working with your home security, so if they do not have a clean DBS (CRB) check walk away.
  • Check the price quoted is what you will pay.  Many locksmiths will quote one price on the phone only to bump the price up dramatically once the work has been undertaken.  Make sure you know what you will be paying before work commences and sign something agreeing to the charges.
  • Make sure you are happy with what the locksmith says regarding your home security and don't be pressurised into an expensive upsell.  Not all locks are equal, and some cheaper locks do not provide adequate security for home insurance purposes so make sure if you're having new locks installed they are right for you.
  • Always use a trusted locksmith with a decent reputation and accountability.  There are many rogue traders who just want to rip customers off.  Check their websites for testimonials and guarantees.  If anything looks or feels dodgy, walk away and find another locksmith.
  • Call their advertised number and see how long it takes them to answer.  If calls are left ringing with no answer or diverts to voicemail numerous times it could indicate they will be difficult to get hold of if there is a problem with their work.  Use a locksmith who answers their phone!

Hopefully this checklist will help you to choose the best Larkhall locksmith for your needs. All LockRite locksmiths are DBS (CRB) checked and will always confirm the price you will pay before commencing any work. Call 01698 678608 now for a free, no obligation quote.

Identifying Different Types of Door Lock

When calling a locksmith it is important to know what type of lock needs fixing or replacing.  Use our visual guide below to identify your particular lock type. Wood Door Wood Door Locks - Rim Cylinder, Mortice Sash Lock, Mortice Dead Bolt uPVC Door UPVC Door Locks - Euro Cylinder, Thumb Turn Cylinder Aluminium Door Aluminium Door Locks - Screw in Rim Cylinder, Oval Cylinder, Euro Cylinder

Home Security in the Summer Months

As summer approaches and the days get warmer it is natural to leave windows open and doors ajar to keep homes cooler.  Unfortunately this can be an open invitation to the "sneak-in" opportunist burglar who will take advantage of open doors and windows and make off with small, expensive items such as mobile phones and laptops, or even a set of house keys to return later when the house is empty or everyone is asleep. If a burglary takes place without any visible signs of forced entry it can invalidate insurance claims, so it is important to remain security conscious in the summer.  One way to help prevent "sneak-in" burglaries is to install door security chains and window restrictors.  This allows doors and windows to be left open slightly while offering enough security to deter an opportunist thief. Call your local Larkhall locksmith on 01698 678608 today to discuss your home security needs.

New Home? Get Your Locks Changed!

Do you know how many sets of keys are in circulation to your new home? How many generations of people have lived there? Do they still have keys? Do you trust they will never return or pass on those keys? Don't take any chances, change your locks today!  We can supply and fit brand new front and rear locks at a very reasonable price.  Call now for a free, no obligation quote.

Why You Should Choose LockRite Locksmiths in Larkhall

When it comes to something as sensitive as securing your property you need to be 100% sure you can trust the person doing the job, so when it comes to choosing a locksmith in Larkhall you probably can't do better than choosing LockRite, and here's why:

  • We are a nationally recognised and respected brand with a local locksmith who lives in, or near Larkhall and in most cases, can be with you within 30-60 minutes.
  • Our local Larkhall locksmith is fully trained in the latest non destructive entry techniques, is CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked and always carries photo ID so you know when you book a LockRite locksmith you are booking a trustworthy professional.
  • All work is 100% guaranteed with 12 months guarantee on all parts and 90 days guarantee on all workmanship.
  • Call us now on 01698 678608 for a competitive quote and peace of mind you are dealing with a company that cares about your security.

Check Burglary Statistics in Larkhall

Home security is always worth considering, and even more so if you happen to live in an area which is prone to crime.  The website www.police.uk has an online, interactive map which shows you crime and burglary levels in your area.

Click here to view crime and burglary statistics for Larkhall

Larkhall Mobile Locksmith - We Come To You!

No matter what the problem, whether you are locked in or locked out, if you need your locks changed or re-keyed or if you just need new keys cut, we come to you.  We can be with you within 30 minutes* and all work is fully guaranteed with 12 months on parts and 90 days on all labour. Don't risk your hard earned cash on a cheap locksmith with no accountability as many of these use questionable sales tactics and cheap, sub-standard parts.  Choose LockRite and get it done 'Rite' first time! Call 01698 678608 now

Lock Snapping on 'The One Show'

The dangers of lock snapping were recently discussed on the One Show (7th March 2012) and the advice is to ensure the locks on your uPVC doors are designed to withstand this kind of forced entry. Lock snapping is a technique used by burglars where uPVC locks are literally snapped in half allowing quick access to your property.  Unfortunately this type of forced entry is becoming more and more commonplace, and many homes with uPVC doors in the Larkhall area are susceptible to this kind of attack unless the locks have been upgraded with anti-snap cylinders. We can provide anti-snap, anti-bump and anti-pick locks for your doors.  Call us now on 01698 678608 for a free, no obligation quote.

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