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LockRite Locksmiths Blog

Stay up to date with the latest news, views and information from the UK's largest network of professional Locksmiths.

Featured Posts

Halloween decorations on front porch

Halloween Home Security Tips

Dark, spooky nights are drawing in. Stay safe this Halloween with essential home security tips. The dark, gloomy nights approach as we get closer to

A customer using their debit card to pay for locksmith services

Why does a locksmith cost so much?

Locksmiths play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our homes and businesses. However, when we need their services, we can find

Recent Posts

Locksmith Launch – LockRite Romford

LockRite is proud to announce the addition of Chad Annandale to our team of highly skilled locksmiths.

Chad will be providing locksmith services to the RomfordIlford, Barking and Dagenham areas. With LockRite’s extensive locksmith training and the latest tools, Chad is well-equipped to handle any locksmith issue, from lock repairs and replacements to smart security installs and security upgrades.

As a fully trained LockRite locksmith, Chad is committed to delivering excellent customer service.

LockRite has been providing expert locksmith services to homes and businesses across the UK for many years, and our nationwide team of experienced locksmiths are available 24/7. Chad’s expertise and dedication make him a valuable addition to our team, and we’re proud to have him representing the LockRite brand.

If you’re in need of a locksmith in Romford or the surrounding areas, Chad and LockRite are the best choice. With a commitment to excellence, and the latest tools and knowledge in the field, Chad is ready to help you with all of your locksmith needs. Get in touch today to learn more about our expert locksmith services or to book an appointment with Chad.

Find Chad on Checkatrade and Google Business.

What Chad’s customers are saying:

Top Tips For Home Security On a Budget This Christmas

The nights are drawing in, frost is on the ground, and it won’t be long before Santa is on his sleigh! However, what is a time of year for festivities and indulgence for some, can also be a tough one for others, with finances stretched to the limit on just trying to keep the house safe and warm. It’s going to be even harder this year, with the energy tariffs increasing by over 50%, as well as steep hikes in the cost of food. Keeping your house safe and secure is even more important at this time of year, as families prepare for the arrival of Father Christmas and need to keep all their gifts safe and sound. We have some great tips for improving your home security that won’t break the bank. Take a look at our tips below:

Hide your valuables

One of the cheapest ways to improve your home security on a budget is to ensure that all valuables such as keys and purses are kept out of sight and reach of the door. It may be tempting to throw them on the side table next to the door when you arrive home from work (as well as making them easy to remember when you go out!), it’s important to hide them from view and thereby stop them from being an easy target for a burglar. Of course, any presents you have wrapped ready for Christmas should be left out of sight too. Father Christmas knows to come down the chimney instead of the front door, so your keys don’t need to be on show, especially on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Presents In Brown Paper
Christmas Presents Wrapped In Brown Paper
Keeping Valuables Out Of Sight

Install exterior lighting

Lights with motion sensors are one of the best options for home security on a budget, with some models on sale for less than £20 and keeping your home well-lit can deter any opportunist thieves, as well as stop you scrabbling around in the dark for your key! Security lights are a worthwhile, cheap investment for your home, and can have a big impact. Websites such as Screwfix and B&Q have a range of security lights available within this budget

Outdoor Security Lighting

Checking your doors and changing your locks

After such a fantastic summer, it seems hard to believe that we are now faced with sub-zero temperatures and the possibility of snow. However, freezing conditions and lack of moisture can cause your door frame to contract, leading to a poor fit between the door and lock, meaning that it might be harder to lock properly, as well as increasing the possibility of your key getting stuck. If adjustments can be made to your doors, it could help to keep your house warm, and potentially fix some common door lock problems. A new lock can help to keep draughts out, and keep precious warm air in, meaning you won’t need to keep your radiators firing all day long. Changing your locks is one of the cheapest options to help secure your home, and our specialist locksmiths fit, change or repair a wide variety of locks, so get in touch today to ensure your house is well-protected.

Adjustments To Lock and Door
Adjustments To Lock and Door
Front Doors
Front Doors

Install an alarm

According to ONS, burglaries are 1.14 times more likely to take place in winter, as thieves prefer to operate in darker conditions. Fitting your home with an alarm system can be a highly effective deterrent, and a quick and simple upgrade for home security on a budget. Take a look at the Yale Smart Home Alarm which we can install. These alarm systems are ideal for all types of home, from flat, to terraced or detached. Fitting an alarm doesn’t have to break the bank and having peace of mind that your loved ones and gifts under the tree are safe and secure this Christmas is priceless.

If an alarm system is out of your budget this year, a fake or “dummy” alarm siren could help to deter opportunistic thieves passing by creating the appearance of a real alarm system. They look just like their more expensive, working versions, but work only as a visual deterrent, as they are not paired to a live alarm system. These can be found for around £30 in DIY and hardware stores or Amazon. A good example is the Yale dummy siren which includes an integrated flashing LED light, currently on sale for £29.

Yale Sync Smart Alarm Siren

Make sure to check out our other great blogs about how to protect against common methods use to enter your home, as well as how to secure your sliding glass door, so you can be as protected as possible. Get in touch today with one of our local locksmiths who will be happy to help. 

5 Benefits Of Using Smart Locks For Your Home

Smart locks have risen in popularity over recent years, and it is estimated that a staggering 57% of homes in Britain contain at least one smart device in their home. Whether that be to make sure the house is warm for when they get home, or turn the lights off to save electricity, smart home devices are here to stay. Smart locks are a fantastic way to enhance your home security, increase accessibility, and are quick and easy to install. Take a look at the 5 benefits of using smart locks below and upgrade your home security today.

  1. Keyless entry

We all know the feeling: frantically rummaging around in your bag trying to find your keys, only to feel the dread in the pit of your stomach as you realize they are nowhere to be found, and you have no way of gaining access to your house. However, standing out in the cold waiting to be let in could be a thing of the past with the installation of smart locks, as they do not require a key. All you need is your smartphone and internet/Wi-Fi connection, but even if your phone is damaged, lost or out of power, there are still alternative ways to gain access to your home. These will vary depending on the type of smart lock you own. Typical alternative access methods include a pin code, a manual key over ride, a key fob or access to the smart lock app via another device.

  1. Accessibility

With smart locks, you can provide access to your home for others, no matter where you are. So, whether it be to let in a neighbour to water the plants whilst you are on holiday, or the delivery driver to leave your package in the porch so it doesn’t get stolen, all is possible with the right smart lock, and saves you the rush back home to let someone in.

Yale Linus Smart Lock
Yale Linus Smart Lock In Silver
  1. Security

One of the most obvious benefits of smart locks is the additional security they offer. Long gone are the days when you have to leave a key under the flowerpot, which is the first place a burglar will check. With certain smart locks, you can set unique codes for people who need to access your home. What’s more, you can decide how long each code is valid for, and a time window for when they can be used, so you know exactly who is gaining entry to your house and when. It’s possible the very appearance of a smart lock can also be a deterrent to burglars, as being keyless, there is no possibility of lock picking. Smart locks can also integrate with other security devices such as security cameras and smart doorbells.

  1. Notifications

We have all second-guessed ourselves on whether we have locked the door on leaving the house and may have even returned to double-check! A smart lock does all the hard work for you and will send you a notification if you have left the door unlocked, as well as remind you to lock it before you leave your home. Furthermore, it can let you know who has entered your home, so can give you peace of mind in the knowledge that your loved ones have made it home safely.

  1. Good investment

Although smart locks are more expensive at the outset than traditional locks, they are cost-effective in the long term. It can be time-consuming and expensive to change all the locks in the house, as well as have new keys made, whereas smart lock installation is quick and easy, as well as looking sleek and stylish. Smart locks also suit any door and can be used internally in your house to protect sentimental items. Furthermore, peace of mind when it comes to your home security is worth its weight in gold, and worth every penny knowing your house is safe and secure.

Make sure to check out our other great blogs about how to protect against common methods use to enter your home, as well as how to secure your sliding glass door, so you can be as protected as possible. Get in touch today with one of our local locksmiths who will be happy to help. 

Locksmith Services

Lock Outs Service

If you’re locked out, we can get you back in! We’re experts at picking locks and gaining entry.

Lock Changes and Repair Service

We change, repair and fit a wide variety of locks, including : Mortice Locks & Euro Cylinders.

Smart Locks Services

Our expert locksmiths can supply and fit the latest digital smart locks. Including the Yale Linus.

CCTV Installation Service

Our trained locksmiths can supply and fit the latest High definition CCTV to your home or business premises.

Alarm Installation Service

Our locksmiths can professionally install the full range of Yale smart alarms.

Window Boarding Service

Our locksmiths can provide boarding services to secure your home or commercial premises.

Security Surveys Service

We offer a full security survey service. Do you really know how secure your home or property is?

Key Cutting Services

We can cut extra keys for your home or office. Our locksmiths carry a range of key blanks.

Smart Security Installed

Our experts can install a range of smart security products, including smart locks, CCTV and alarms.
Yale Linus Smart Lock

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 L1 Lock Installed

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 Installed

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 Smart Alarm Siren

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 Smart CCTV Installed

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.