LockRite Locksmith St-Albans News & Updates

Your home should always look like it is occupied. Invest in timers to automatically turn on and off any electronics at various times. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This will help to deter burglars. While an alarm system or other security measures can make your home much safer, you must be sure that your security wiring isn't exposed. Intruders can get around security systems and into a home by cutting the wires. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. Keep the outside areas of your home well lit. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. Install some outside lights so you can see everything outside. This includes doorways and porches, the garage, and windows on ground floors which may invite intruders.

Many of Britain’s van drivers could be putting themselves at risk of theft without the correct  level of insurance cover according to a survey by a leading insurance comparison website. Approximately 65% of van owners surveyed, which included many small businesses, said they used their vans to transport tools, goods or equipment and over half of those surveyed said they left items in their vehicles overnight. Approximately 10% of those surveyed also admitted to selecting the 'social only' insurance level to reduce insurance costs which would not be adequate for a business/commercial insurance claim. Van drivers put their vehicles at risk of theft

Many homeowners are unsure of what is necessary in home security. It can be easy to over do it as well as not have enough security measures in place. Use the tips below and create a home security plan that will work for you. Locksmith If you are moving into a new home, the first thing you should do to make your home more secure is to change the locks. You do not have to change the actual locks, a locksmith can re-key the locks to make them inaccessible with any of the previous keys. To avoid being accidentally locked out of their own home, some people like to hide a key to their house in various outside places, such as under a flower pot, under the welcome mat or inside a fake rock in their landscaping. If you are guilty of this behavior, stop immediately! Numerous home invasions occur because the intruder searched for a hidden key and found it. It will be less costly to call a locksmith than it is to replace your stolen valuables. Locks You should change the locks to your new home as soon as you buy it. Even if the owner tells you that you have all of the keys, there may be a chance this is not true. You don't want to take the chance that some unknown person will have access to your home. Change your locks whenever you undergo a major life change. Whether it is moving into a new home or a former relationship moving out, you should always be aware of who has a copy of the keys to your home. You should also change your locks anytime you lose your keys. Effectively securing your home will make a big difference in the way you feel when at home and when leaving it empty. You now have the information that you need to make it happen. The above tips are just a starting point for you, so take them and get to work on your home security plan today.

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 uPVC Door Aluminium Door

The latest UK crime statistics show an alarming rise in vehicle thefts involving the use of a key with 25 percent of all stolen vehicles now being taken with the original key or a cloned copy. It is important to lock your car, even when kept in a garage, and ensure your car keys are kept out of sight from the opportunist thief as a car which is stolen with the use of a key is unlikely to be covered in the event of an insurance claim.

Almost every time I got called out to a burglary, the suspects had forced entry to the front door via "kick the door in".

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.

Do you know who else might have a key to your property?  If you are renting or have bought a property and never had your locks changed then a complete stranger may have a key to your home.  Also, if your house is entered without forced entry it is very unlikely an insurance company will pay out in the event of a claim. You can prevent this often overlooked scenario from ever occurring by simply getting your locks changed. Call now for a quote.

When renewing your insurance it pays to read the small print detailing the type of locks that the insurer requires and approves. If the locks you have are not approved, this may invalidate any claim due to forced entry into your property.

I would always recommend having your UPVC doors realigned and adjusted by a skilled trades person. If your doors start to stick or catch on the frame, this adjustment will prolong the life of the lock and help limit the chance of future problems.

Thefts from gardens and garden sheds, this has always been a problem, but with a few simple steps like putting a secure lock on your shed or garden store and back gate. Also putting your gardening tools/equipment, bicycles etc away and out of sight when they are not being used will also help to deter to oppotunist thief.