In comparison to other nations, the UK is a relatively safe place to live. However, there are, of course, some destinations across the country that are more susceptible to crimes and break ins than others. Typically, cities will have a high crime rate; however, this is not always the case. Small villages can also be vulnerable to burglary.

Areas of high crime should not necessarily be avoided, as by implementing a few simple safety measures you can help set up your home to protect you and your loved ones from burglary and break in.

The idea of somebody you don’t know having access to your home and belongings is a distressing thought. It doesn’t matter if you are in the house or not, you should not have to spend your time worrying about whether your house, belongings and loved ones are safe.

According to analysis by MoneySupermarket, as of January 2019, some of the top areas in the UK for burglaries and break in are as follows:

• Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire
• Ingatestone, Essex
• Ilford, London
• Edinburgh
• Leeds
• Solihull, Birmingham
• Woking, Surrey
• Cheadle, Stoke on Trent
• Manchester

What are these statistics based on?

These statistics were analysed from two million home insurance quotes over the last two years, identifying the top postcodes with claims for home contents theft. As well as some rural spots, including small villages, some busy cities also make the top 10 including Edinburgh and Manchester. Bristol, Liverpool and Cambridge also ranked rather highly.

The various types of burglary

Burglary can take many forms, including:

Simple burglary – An individual entering your home without permission.

Aggravated burglary – When an individual gains unauthorized entry into a building with somebody inside, and the individual is in possession of a weapon.

Home invasion – A rarer crime, but still possible. A home invasion is a pre-meditated act that may involve force or violence to enter an establishment with intent.

Some burglars may focus on a set area or neighbourhood, and have methods of forced entry. As well as taking advantage of unlocked doors and windows, some will be happy to break windows and break down doors to gain access and take whatever they can.

Other criminals may be more specialised, will be more efficient and aim to leave no trace of forced entry to your home.

Your front door is often considered the most common entry point for thieves. For many, they may search for a spare key, or if a criminal knows you are not at home, they may simply force open your door. The secondary door in your home applies to side doors, garage doors and skylights. It is advised that you don’t neglect these entry points, as it could be easier for a burglar to gain access through these, particularly if there are items nearby to help them do the job.

So, what preventative measures can I take?

• Lock your doors and windows every time you leave your house. This may include when you’re out in the garden.
• Hide all keys out of sight and away from the letterbox. The letterbox is a common tool for burglars to use to help gain entry if they can. Typical methods are reaching in and grabbing nearby keys or turning the door lock.
• Leave radios or lights on when you are away from home to create the illusion that someone is home, or install timers for your lights.
• Make sure side gates and fences are in good condition. Ensure your garden gate has a solid and secure lock.
• Install outside light sensors.
• Install a home security CCTV system.
• Install a burglar alarm.

Home security systems are one of the easiest and safest ways to deter a criminal from targeting your home. Security measures could include:

• Smart Locks – These enable you to lock your doors using an app or key fob. This removes the need for a key and there are various types with models compatible with PVCu and Composite doors as well as timber doors.
• Alarms – Alarms are a steadfast and obvious deterrent for burglars. According to recent studies, 60% of burglars say they would be discouraged from targeting a house if they knew an alarm was installed.
• CCTV Installation – You can take your security measures one step further by installing CCTV that can be monitored from your smartphone, tablet or PC.
• Light timers – Making a house seem occupied through light timers is a simple way to deter burglars, who simply may not bother if they think somebody is in. Fake occupancy strategies are inexpensive and a practical way to prevent you from becoming an easy target.

Nobody wants to be a target for burglary. However, by being aware and implementing some simple security measures, you can rest assured in knowing that you have done all you can and will not be an easy target in any way for criminals.

No-one should ever be made to feel unsafe in their town or city, but they definitely should never feel in danger in their own home. If you want to protect your property, yourself and your loved ones, get in touch with us here at LockRite and see how we can help strengthen your home’s security.

Crimes against businesses often come at a very high cost for those targeted. In addition to equipment and merchandise being lost, business owners will also most likely need to deal with fixing the damage the burglar has caused. This can range from broken windows to smashed locks and doors.

That said, it only makes sense to employ the best security measures to minimise the risks and better protect your business against theft.

Here are a few tips meant to help you with that.

Consider Carrying out a Risk Assessment

This is an excellent place to start strengthening your business’s defence system against theft, as it will help you identify possible vulnerabilities within it.

Chances are you have an idea of how your business may be exposed, but at the same time, consider that it could be just a piece of the puzzle.

To get the full image of the risks burglars can take advantage of to target your business, go for a professional service which can provide you with reliable information and advice.

Depending on your business location and size, trading hours, the type of merchandise you sell, staff and more, the assessment may, for instance, reveal an imperative need to:

• Replace or upgrade your locks to protect your business. This usually happens in the case of old locks or locks which don’t comply with the British Standards.
• Have a restricted key system in place. A restricted key system means keys that are cut and copies of a key can only exclusively be made with your permission. This would allow you to stay in control of the number of key copies being made and ensure keys can’t be stolen and copied.
• Better secure your windows by adding locks, especially if the windows are facing towards a parking lot or an alley.
• Have cabinet locks installed to secure file cabinets which hold important documents.

Leverage Technology to Secure Your Business Premises

Nowadays, business owners can benefit from a wide array of high tech security solutions. Here are three of them which will help you better protect your business:

• Smart Locks which allow access to be granted from a distance. Another significant benefit of having smart locks installed is that you will be able to keep track of when the doors were unlocked and by whom.
• HD CCTV surveillance which lets you keep an eye on the premises remotely and discourages burglars from targeting your business. What’s more, security cameras may turn out to be highly-efficient at preventing vandalism and trespassing, as well.
• Security Alarms are known to be highly-efficient at keeping intruders at bay.  As a best practice, we recommend you also put up signs to warn passers-by of its presence.

Need Help? Rely on Our Expert Locksmiths to Better Protect Your Business

The security of your business is not something you can deal with once and then forget about it.

Burglars are always coming up with new strategies; looking for new vulnerabilities in your system. So it’s essential you stay one step ahead and conduct regular check-ups to safeguard your business.  

This is a challenge we can help you with.

We provide a one-stop solution towards an improved security of your business property.

Here, you can learn more about the vast array of commercial locksmith services we offer to businesses operating in the UK.

If you’re ready to start taking necessary steps towards better protecting your business against theft and are looking for a reliable partner, the easiest way to reach us is by calling this number 0800 0612 677.

Technology continues to change the world, and even home security has been affected. Smart locks are the inevitable extension of smartphone linked CCTV, and they are becoming increasingly popular. Of course, locks of any kind are safeguards, but people tend not to give them much thought until they are locked out of their home or have had the unpleasant experience of being burgled.

When the time does come to give more thought to your home security, you may be tempted to stick with traditional locks, but would a smart lock be better for your property? The lock that you choose will determine how safe your home and possessions are, so it’s vital that you make the choice that makes you feel confident about your daily security.

Traditional Locks

When you think of the usual lock on your doors, you don’t normally think of the word ‘traditional.’ Until smart locks came along, traditional locks were just called locks. While there are a wide variety of traditional locks, the key defining feature that separates them from smart locks is that they are manually operated and engaged. From deadbolts to mortise locks, they all need a key, a thumb turn, or a button push.

The most common lock type for homes remains the pin-tumbler traditional lock. These can be very secure, but they need to be used in the right place and in the right way. The factors that impact their effectiveness include:

• Where the lock is placed
• The regularity of use
• Whether or not it is the only lock at the entry point

Traditional locks are always excellent additions to a home as long as you have the right type in the right place. Traditional locks can always be enhanced with further additions, but it’s always worth talking to professional locksmiths if you want to make sure that your home is as secure as possible.

Smart Locks

Like traditional locks, there are a number of different types of smart lock already available on the market. Essentially, a smart lock is simply a more automated version of the traditional lock. They will still be using the same locking mechanism as a traditional lock, but the most obvious difference is that you are able to engage with them in a different way. Look at how the Yale Conexis smart lock changes the way that you can control home access. Able to be worked both electronically and remotely, smart locks can give you a greater level of control over your home security without the need to be anywhere near your property. When you can control your home locks via your smartphone, you are able to monitor property access no matter where you are.

Smart vs. Traditional

One of the reasons why people might be wary of smart locks is that they don’t understand how they work. There is also the concern that having a smart lock installed leaves you exposed to digital threats as well as property ones. However, because the fundamental locking technology of both traditional and smart locks remains the same at the foundation, they are both remarkably effective.

No lock is ever 100% unbreakable, so that means that no matter what lock you have installed on your property, it’s always best to discuss exactly what you need with a professional locksmith. We will be able to advise you on the choice that suits you, and give you tips on improved security measures. That means your home could be more secure than ever.

Find your local locksmith at https://www.lockrite.org.

Most people don’t give locksmiths a second thought until they are locked out of their home or need an extra set of keys for a property. Yet, many locksmiths provide additional services that can keep a residential or commercial space safe and secure throughout the year.

What’s more, the essential trade is steeped in history and interesting facts. Here are seven facts you might not know about locksmiths.

It’s an Ancient Profession

It might be surprising to learn that locksmithing is one of the oldest professions in history. It is believed the first locksmiths developed their skills more than 4,000 years ago in Babylon and Egypt.

Thanks to the innovative Middle Eastern civilisations, the lock and key technology spread north to Greece, Rome and then east to China. It is now a sought-after skill in almost every nation across the globe.

The Historic Origin of the Locksmith

Ever wondered how locksmiths earned their name? The word relates to the profession’s history. A smith of locks, which originates from the term blacksmith, was a reference to someone who worked with steel or varieties of metal.

Blacksmiths commonly forged weapons and armour for knights and kings, but the demand for metal locks led to the development of a new, specialist skill, and so the locksmith was born.

Harry Houdini Was a Locksmith

It turns out Harry Houdini might not have been so magical after all, as he more than likely knew his way around a lock or two!

He started his working life as a locksmith, gaining an in-depth understanding of locks and how they worked, which helped him to create many jaw-dropping illusions for audiences. In fact, he was most notable for his incredible escape acts.

It is quite likely the Hungarian-born illusionist and stunt performer would never have enjoyed his level of fame without the much-needed trade.

The Oldest Lock is More than 4,000 Years Old

The oldest lock in history to have been discovered is believed to date back 4,000 years and was found in the ruins of the Khorsabad Palace in Nineveh. However, the oldest lock with a key dates back to approximately 704 BC in the ruins of the Palace of Sargon, also in Khorsabad.

A Locksmith Possesses More Than One Skill

A talented locksmith encompasses more than one profession to complete a task to the highest standard for customers. He or she will need to do the work of a security expert, mechanic, carpenter and engineer to successfully resolve your locking challenges in a smooth, hassle-free manner.

Locksmithing Services Have Evolved

While locksmiths still help property owners to change or upgrade their locks, open locked doors and provide key cutting services, the trade has evolved throughout the years.

Nowadays, many modern, forward-thinking locksmiths, such as us here at LockRite, provide various reliable home security services, including:

• HD CCTV installation
• Yale digital smart locks- such as the Conexis L1
• Alarm installation
• Burglary repairs

The above can ultimately make property owners feel relaxed and secure either at home or at work.

All Our Locksmiths are DBS Checked

At Lockrite, we understand that security and safety are of paramount importance to our customers. For this reason, every single locksmith is DBS checked. You can, therefore, enjoy peace of mind that your property and keys are in safe hands when you turn to us.

If you have been locked out of your home, need new locks, or want to install innovative, reliable home security devices in your residential or commercial property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here or call us now on 0800 0612 677.