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.

It’s that time of year again; Christmas can be a crucial time for burglaries and home security. The presents are sitting underneath the tree, you’re staying out for longer than usual, and you are leaving your windows ajar to feed Christmas lights out of them.

From hiding presents to turning your outdoor lights on and off, there are plenty of ways in which you can prevent burglaries and other security concerns around the festive period. However, could the rise in smart home security be the best way to keep your home safe this Christmas?

Smart Locks

Smart locks bring your door into the 21^st century. They use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to connect with other smart devices such as your phone. When your device is close to the door, it will automatically unlock. This is a quick and hands-free solution that will stop you from spending vital minutes rummaging through your bag with presents under your arm, terrified that your relative will see what you’ve bought them. They will allow you to open doors for friends while keeping everybody else out, and you can give temporary ‘keys’ to people so they can check your house while you are out.

Yale Conexis Smart Locks are some of the best in the business, and have some extra security features for your home including a user log and a tamper alarm, ensuring that technology provides the best safety for your home.

As trusted and official Yale Smart Security Partners, LockRite can install and maintain the smart security and smart locks range of products.

Smart Alarms and CCTV

Smart alarms and Smart CCTV are the new upgrades to the traditional house alarms. However, with around only 30% of homes having a working burglar alarm, smart alarms are a vital step to make it easier to secure your home when you are out enjoying the festivities.

Smart alarms are not just alarms; they can tell you when your windows are left open, as well as play music and interact with your lighting system. The Yale Smart Alarm and CCTV Range can also be switched on via your phone, meaning that you can have full control of your applications anywhere and they will also send you notifications when your alarm is triggered,

Amazon Echo

Alexa has become something of a home tech phenomenon, spurring memes and social media posts detailing her antics. The Amazon Echo can provide a wide range of services at the sound of your voice, from creating shopping lists to playing your favourite music to making calls.

However, surprisingly, Alexa can also do wonders for your home security. When used alongside the Z-Wave Module 2 and Samsung SmartThings, the Yale Keyless Connected and Conexis L1 Smart Door Locks can be paired with Alexa. This enables you to lock and unlock your door from anywhere, and check that your door is locked remotely.

Christmas home security is important as you are most likely to encounter security threats at this time of year. However, pairing home security and the newest smart technology this Christmas will allow you to secure your home and give you the utmost peace of mind to enjoy the festive period.

If you’re considering installing smart home security this christmas, including the latest Yale Conexis L1 smart lock, call us today on 0800 0612677.

Locksmithing is one of the oldest professions in the world. If you’ve ever been locked out of your home or your door lock has broken, then you appreciate the value of a trusty locksmith.

Locksmithing services truly play an essential role in keeping your home safe and secure because a locksmith’s role is more than to just unlock your door or change your lock.

Let’s find out the reasons why locksmiths will remain relevant for many years to come.

Locksmithing Services Adapt to the Industry

At first, door locks were not as sophisticated are they are now. The first locks were large and made out of wood. Then, they were created out of metal.

But locksmiths weren’t just good at making locks – they were also skilled metal workers. Their talent revolved around repairing tools, guns and making screws and fasteners.

Due to their experience with metal, locksmiths were able to create more durable and complex locks.

Nowadays, locksmithing is more about using technology to improve home security rather than forging metal.

Whether we’re talking about keyless locks or smart home systems, you can now contract locksmithing services not only when you’ve been locked out of your home, but also when you need advice on the ultimate home security devices and installing them, as well.

Locksmiths Are Available 24/7

Imagine it’s Friday night, you just got off work and you need to go home to leave your laptop, get changed and then head out to meet your friends. Unfortunately, you notice you’ve misplaced your key and you can’t enter your home.

So what do you do then? You call a locksmith because these type of services are available 24/7. For example, we aim to get to you within 30 minutes if you live in the areas we cover throughout the UK.

This scenario can happen to anyone anytime, especially when we have others things we need to attend to, which is why locksmithing services are key when we get locked out of our home.

Locksmiths Are Home Security Professionals

One of today’s top concerns is keeping our home safe when we’re away. But most of us don’t know how to do that unless we get a professional’s advice.

An important service provided by locksmiths is the security survey which helps them determine if your property is secure and whether it’s an attractive target for potential burglars.

Each residence is unique, so what the security system your neighbour has installed might not work or be appropriate for your property.

Locksmiths are trained to observe weaknesses which may hinder your home security and are able to recommend security tips which will help you keep burglars away.

Think You Won’t Need a Locksmith? Think Again

We’re not trying to be pessimistic here, but chances are you’re going to need the services of a locksmith at least once in your life.

Whether you’ll break your key as you try to unlock your door, lose your keys or need to improve your home security, locksmiths will be the ones to save you in those type of situations.

At Lockrite, customer satisfaction is our number one priority, which is why we treat every client very seriously and with professionalism.

For any queries or if you want to request a free quote, feel free to call us at 0800 0612 677.

5 Security Tips for Autumn and Winter

Happy Halloween! Or perhaps not, for some. While many of us may get a thrill from things that go bump in the night and get excited over the latest horror flicks coming to the cinema or Netflix, others get the creeps – and not in a good way.

Halloween and the impending darker nights can create a chill in the air. What if Michael Myers lurks in the corners of a village somewhere? While horror villains Freddie Kruger and Jason Voorhees only exist in Hollywood, home security for darker nights should be a priority for all homeowners.

Luckily, if you are concerned about the security of your home, there are many techniques and ways to keep your house, and family, safe and free from goosebumps. Here are the top autumn home security tips.

1. Install Lighting Fixtures

When night descends, it can leave many of us wary of what may be outside or who is knocking on our doors. Even when we’re expecting company, we like to know they are coming and be able to determine it is them before answering the door. What’s more, during Halloween, Trick or Treaters can cause a fright to some, so installing motion light sensors is an ideal autumn home security system to add to your home.

By having outside lighting, you can be warned when someone is approaching your home (thanks to motion sensors) and see the outline of who is standing outside. Plus, if you are out, motion sensors can deter burglars looking for an unoccupied house.

While motion sensors wouldn’t pick up on the ghosts found in Hill House (Netflix’s latest horror/drama, The Haunting of Hill House), they can keep you safe and also make you feel more relaxed during the night.

2. Invest in Good Quality Locks

Your front door, back door, windows and even garage doors and sheds need to be secured with high-quality locks. For your shed, invest in a closed or open shackle padlock, and make sure the doors are sturdy. For your front and back doors, you can always have them changed. You can also include night latches, which offer an added layer of protection.

3. Be Aware of Your Letterbox and Cat Flap

If you are prone to leaving keys out beside your front or back door, they can be obtained through your letterbox and cat flap. People can use sticks and wires to reach and hook valuables and keys, before bringing them back through the letterbox. An easy way to prevent this is to keep from placing keys within reach and to ensure you do not leave keys in the lock.

4. Hide Your Valuables

This is especially sensible as Christmas draws closer. While you may want your Christmas tree to sit in your front room so that your neighbours can look in awe, you should not put presents beneath the tree. Doing so can entice burglars, as they know exactly where the goods are, making it a quicker robbery.

Keep all your valuables out of sight. No electronics should be positioned near windows; jewellery can be kept in drawers, and refrain from storing valuables in the garage.

5. Join the Neighbourhood Watch

Imagine how many horror film villains would’ve been thwarted if the neighbourhood kept an eye on one another’s houses. Ghostface wouldn’t have been able to break into so many homes or chase Sidney Prescott if Woodsboro had a Neighbourhood Watch, and the attempts of Michael Myers would have been a lot less successful. Halloween home security can help make the scariest time of year a lot less so.

Join the local Neighbourhood Watch, or if there isn’t one, start one. It is to the benefit of everyone who lives in the neighbourhood, so the locals will be more than happy to keep an eye out for everyone.