LockRite Locksmiths Blog
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Recent Posts
Locks Security 101: How to Protect Your Home Against Lock Snapping
A burglary can not only cause significant material loss, but also lead to emotional distress, including panic attacks, anxiety and depression.
And in 72% of cases, a burglar will enter through the door of a property – which makes it one of the most vulnerable spots. So locks security can’t be an afterthought, but something which is high on your priority list as a homeowner.
It’s an aspect we aim to help you with, so we decided to share some information on the subject of lock snapping and how to protect your home against it.
What Is Lock Snapping?
Lock snapping is a common tactic used by burglars to break into a home.
As the name suggests, the method involves snapping a particular type of lock cylinder in two by applying the right amount of force. Burglars typically use easy-to-find tools like screwdrivers, mole grips and hammers to snap the locks.
Doing so exposes the locking mechanism – allowing the door to be unlocked.
From that point on, it only takes a split second for the thief to get inside your home.
The whole process can last as little as a few seconds and requires no special skills, making lock snapping a preferred method among criminals.
It’s obvious this is a real threat, so what can you do to make sure you don’t become a victim?
Read on to find out more about the possible solutions which will help you increase your locks security.
The Best Way to Protect Your Home Against This Type of Attack
The door locks which are at the highest risk of being snapped are those which fit Euro Cylinder profiles. Also, if your locks extend beyond 3mm of the handle, your home could be in immediate peril, so you should have them replaced.
There are simple actions you can take today to safeguard your home against lock snapping.
The easiest and most effective thing you can do is invest in anti-snap locks. Why these work:
- Special design. As opposed to that of a lock with a standard cylinder, the design of an anti-snap lock is that the front part of the lock has a “snap-off” section. What this means is that when a burglar will try to break it, it will just snap the front face of the lock off. The lock mechanism will be left barefaced, but the intruder won’t manage to get to the inner workings of the lock to temper it and gain access.
- Hardened bar. Compared to traditional locks, these won’t snap when force is applied; they will merely flex.
- Built-in grip defenders. This integrated feature makes it extremely difficult for burglars to grab and get hold of the cylinder.
Another aspect to keep in mind in regards to your locks security is all entry doors should be protected. This includes the front door, back door, garage door or any other doors that provide access to your home.
Furthermore, it’s best to work with professional locksmiths who have the right expertise. A poorly installed lock may turn out to have certain vulnerabilities and not offer you maximum protection.
Start Making Locks Security a Priority Today
Our professional locksmiths can fit anti-snap locks to your doors, so your family and assets are better protected against a possible lock-snapping attack.
Call us at 0800 0612 677 to get a free quote. No strings attached.
October Wrap-up: The National Home Security Month Takeaways
In the UK, the whole month of October is dedicated to home security.
Of course, the preoccupation for this topic is a constant one, but during this month, industry-related entities are trying to raise more awareness about it.
The Yale-sponsored initiative strives to address home security issues and has a dedicated blogging section where security tips are posted weekly. Other sites are trying to emulate this and share the same kind of awareness-raising content.
These efforts are necessary since it is reported that a quarter of Brits have no security measures in place.
Down below, you’re going to read about the main takeaways shared during October and hopefully, they’ll inspire you to take specific action on shielding your household from intruders.
Keep It Simple – and Safe
With all the noise around smart home tech, it’s sometimes easy to neglect security measures which have been around for quite a while.
So if you have your eyes on some smart home security gadgets, make sure you also include traditional measures like:
- double shielding entry doors with a night latch or mortice lock
- upgrading the cylinder in case you have a PVCu or composite external door, as older cylinders are more exposed to lock-snapping
- securing all windows with key-operated locks.
Curated Smart Security Suggestions List
The National Home Security Month couldn’t have passed without British specialists picking a few smart security devices. This list of helpful devices will help you get an idea of what items you should invest in:
- smart locks – keyless locks which let you control your door lock through an PIN-activated app on your phone. This way, you can access the lock remotely and even allow trusted persons to enter your home once you send them a one-time access code.
- smart alarms – they allow you to rest assured you’ll be instantly notified in case any suspicious activity is recorded.
- CCTV system – ensures remote viewing (i.e. watching over your home, while anywhere in the world) and lets you record activity outside your house to serve as evidence in case of a break-in.
- automatic light switchers – even when you’re out on holiday, you get to set the way lights switch, thus letting the impression the house is actually inhabited.
- digital door viewer – allows you to see who knocks at your door, thus reducing the possibility of your being a victim of burglars’ distraction tactics.
Clocks Go Back, Your Home Stays Safe
Normally, one wouldn’t think autumn daylight saving time could bring potential home security liabilities.
But burglars sure take advantage of extended night-time.
That said, here are a few aspects to pay attention to once daylight time starts decreasing:
- It’s best if you don’t keep garden furniture and tools outside.
- Having external lightning in place is a solid burglar deterrent.
- Secure any gates or fencing.
Halloween Season Home Security Tips
During Halloween time, lots of people roam around, so the likelihood you open the door to strangers increases.
The first thing you can do to prevent this from happening is having a ‘Do not disturb’ sign posted at your door. This way, you avoid opening the door too often and exposing the interior of your home.
Plus, avoid sharing your location on social media when going out during Halloween– you never know who could use this information to take advantage.
New Year’s Eve Resolution: Home Security
With all the above tips in mind, how about you assess them and consider a new home security strategy as a New Year’s resolution?
At Lockrite, we’re always here to support you with this decision and provide a suite of locksmith services that meet the highest British standard.
Proven Home Security Tips for People Who Rent Apartments
When you own or even rent a house, it’s much easier to take control of your home security because only you and your family live in the same perimeter.
The scenario changes when you rent an apartment. You are going to live in close proximity to other people since you’ll all be sharing the same building. This means a lot more people will be going in and out, which may increase the risk of potential intrusions.
In the first part of the article, we’ll talk about the security aspects you need to consider before moving into an apartment.
In the second part, we’ll discuss what security measures you can use to make your apartment as safe as possible.
Security Tips Before Moving into a New Apartment
- Neighbourhood safety
Before deciding on an apartment, it’s important to do a little research about the safety of the neighbourhood you’re planning to move into. You can enter the postcode here and you’ll find out in seconds how safe the area you’re interested in is.
- Lighting
Check the entrances, hallways, parking area, elevators, stairways, walkways and mail areas to see if they are poorly-lit or not. The idea is to discourage intruders when they are in plain sight. Talk to the landlord to see if they can help installing more lights if they are needed.
- Communal door
It’s important to take into consideration the security of the entire building, as well. In most cases, the entry door will require a key, passcode or buzz-in. That way, the residents, including you, will be able to control who enters the building. Ideally, the communal door should have an audio and video entry system.
- Door locks
Before signing the lease for your new apartment, ask your landlord if they agree to change your door lock. You can never know how many old tenants still have the key to the apartment. We recommend choosing a smart lock for that extra door security.
Home Security Tips to Apply After Moving in
- Blinds
Blinds are often overlooked when it comes to home security, but they should actually be a staple. You can reduce the risk of break-ins if you block the outside view on your belongings and valuables.
- Patio security
If you’re living on the ground floor and you have a patio, you need to take action. Even if you lock the patio door, some sliding doors may not be as safe and can come off the tracks extremely easily if forced. To improve the security of a sliding door, arm it with a security bar.
- Alarm system
The majority of burglars would be discouraged from targeting an apartment if they knew it had an alarm system installed. So having one in your new rented apartment is most certainly a must. Thanks to the modern technology, most of today’s security systems are wireless, so you won’t need to break the walls, which means the landlord won’t have any complaints whatsoever.
Renting Doesn’t Have to Minimize the Importance of Home Security
Our advice is to work with your landlord to make your apartment as secure as possible. In any case, they should give you the freedom to choose whatever alarm system and door lock you want.
Apply the steps we mentioned and you will be on your way to having a burglar-proof apartment.
Also, keep in mind whether you are looking for a quote, have an enquiry or want to book a locksmith, you can call us on 0800 0612 677.
Post Categories
Locksmith Services
If you’re locked out, we can get you back in! We’re experts at picking locks and gaining entry.
We change, repair and fit a wide variety of locks, including : Mortice Locks & Euro Cylinders.
Our expert locksmiths can supply and fit the latest digital smart locks. Including the Yale Linus.
Our trained locksmiths can supply and fit the latest High definition CCTV to your home or business premises.
Our locksmiths can provide boarding services to secure your home or commercial premises.
We offer a full security survey service. Do you really know how secure your home or property is?
We can cut extra keys for your home or office. Our locksmiths carry a range of key blanks.
Smart Security Installed
Yale Linus
Smart Lock
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale Conexis
Smart Lock
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.
Yale Keyless
Connected Smart Lock
The Keyless Lock allows you complete control over how you lock your home. Unlock with a PIN, key card, key tag, remote fob or your phone.
Yale Sync Alarm
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale CCTV
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.
