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.

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.