LockRite Locksmiths Blog
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Featured Posts
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
Where Are My Keys? Top Tips for Finding Lost Keys
Are you tired of losing your keys and experiencing the panic that comes with it? Don’t worry, in this article we share practical tips and
Recent Posts
How to Pick the Right Smart Lock for Your Home
What makes getting a smart lock for your home a smart investment?
These types of locks offer important benefits you can make use of as a homeowner, benefits that will improve security and increase convenience:
- You can lock or unlock your home from anywhere
- You no longer need a key or worry that you may lose it
- You can grant temporary access to guests or family members
- A smart lock is way harder to break compared to regular locks
- You can set the door to lock on a schedule
- The lock can connect with your smart home system
There’s a right lock for every home. So if you’re interested in investing in this type of technology, read the following lines.
Choose the Right Smart Lock Wireless Connection
Some smart locks use Bluetooth as their wireless communication channel. However, this means that you’ll have to be near it to control it.
Other locks use standard Wi-Fi as a channel of communication. Most of these also offer Bluetooth, but they aren’t able to integrate with a smart home system.
Another option is picking a smart lock that uses Z-wave protocol. Additionally, it offers you all the above-mentioned connections as well. It can also integrate perfectly with a smart home, which means:
- Your door will automatically be locked when you arm your security system
- You can lock or unlock your door using just one app (no more carrying keys)
Find out more about Yale’s Z-wave keyless smart locks here.
The options mentioned above offer different levels of convenience. Ultimately, choosing the right lock relies heavily on the kind of functionality you want.
Consider the Type of Door You Have
The door is another aspect you need to consider before choosing the lock, more precisely the material it is made of.
Whether your door is made of PVCu, timber or composite, there’s a right lock for it. We’ve put together an easy guide meant to help you make an informed decision.
Pick the Alternate Control Mechanism You Prefer
Smart locks can be controlled through an application on your phone. However, each of them has an alternate mechanism for locking or unlocking. This can be:
- Keypad: you set security codes for you and your family members.
- A remote: a tiny device you simply need to punch to unlock the door (similar to your car’s clicker).
- Fingerprint scanner: this ensures that only the fingerprints recognised by the system can unlock the door.
To pick the right one, you need to analyse you and your family’s particular needs. Do you or your kids oftentimes lose things? Then perhaps a fingerprint scanner may be more suitable than a remote.
To Wrap It Up
If you’re thinking about making the change to smart security systems by fitting your home with a smart lock, you’d be safer picking the best one available.
We recommend Yale’s not just for its great features, but also because you can add CCTV and alarms with motion detectors.
Doing so will increase your family’s security and comfort.
At LockRite, we take a keen interest in security and smart security devices. You can browse through the topics we’ve covered so far and let us know what else you might want to read about.
And if you’re determined to get a smart lock security system for your home, simply use this form to get in touch with us and ask any question you may have.
Don’t forget to follow @LockRite on social media for more useful information on keeping your home and family safe.
Home Security Gift Ideas for a Smart Christmas
Christmas gift shopping can turn out to be a real challenge – and for good reason. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide on a gift.
A safe route, however, is going for the practical kind of gift. Home security is a major concern for many homeowners. So why not add smart tech devices to your Christmas shopping list this year?
You won’t have to worry about this gift idea putting a dent in your budget. You can get smart home tech devices for as little as £15.
If that’s something you’re interested in, keep on reading.
1. Security Door Stop
In 72% of cases, a burglar will enter through a door. So door stops would make for an excellent home security addition.
A door stop is a rubber base that you place on the floor to block access. It goes well on almost any kind of floor or floor cover, such as:
- wood
- tile
- vinyl
- carpet
The door stop can be turned on and off, and it sports additional features:
- 120-decibel alarm to alert your neighbours. This is very loud (125 decibels is enough to hurt your ears).
- Low battery warning light.
Bonus idea: Since we’re talking about devices to secure doors, consider a Yale Keyfree Connected Smartlock as well. Here are some of its features:
- 3-minute lock-out if code is entered incorrectly 5 times
- Tamper alarm and remote fob
- Smartphone connectivity
2. Glass Window Film
Bright spaces are a plus in any home. But by letting blinds and curtains open, electronics and other goods can easily be seen from outside.
With a glass window film, you can enjoy living in a bright space without compromising security. The semi-opaque translucent glass doesn’t let meddlesome passers-by get a look inside.
Moreover, it can be applied without adhesive.
3. Indoor Motion Sensor
As a homeowner, it’s best to be prepared for the eventuality of burglars managing to break into your house.
Motion sensors can provide an additional layer of security, as they’re able to detect the slightest of movements. Then they activate other electronic devices, which can scare off the intruder.
Also, the sensor can be programmed to work during specific parts of the day, depending on a particular schedule.
4. Window Alarm
Let’s say you want to offer a gift to someone who is preoccupied with home security and already has a safety system in place. What might be one device they don’t already have? A window alarm that activates when the glass is shattered.
This particular device is activated by vibrations. What’s great about it is the slick design, making it easy to place on sliding doors, windows or RVs (recreational vehicles).
5. WiFi Smart Socket for Increased Home Security
When people are away on holiday or at work, they should rest assured knowing their property and assets are secure.
A smart socket is a gift any homeowner will be happy to receive, as it:
- Provides remote control over the device/appliance plugged into it.
- Turns lights on and off to make a household look inhabited.
- Allows users to control multiple electronics around the house.
We hope these smart home security gift ideas have made you more excited about shopping for Christmas gifts this year.
Take inspiration from this article and impress your loved ones with smart presents that show you care.
Don’t forget to share these ideas on social media and maybe help others out. Also, keep an eye on the Lockrite blog for more home safety-related articles.
4 Simple Security Tips That Scare Off Potential Burglars
Around 59% of burglaries in the UK occur when homeowners are still in the property. With these figures it’s clear that home security is something which needs to be taken seriously.
Here are four things you can do to enhance the overall security aspect of your home:
1. Don’t Draw Attention to Your Possessions
You might be letting burglars know you’ve got valuable possessions inside your home – and not even know it!
How does that work? Well, think of this – do you keep your computer or TV near the front window?
That’s not the best choice, as it can easily catch the attention of thieves. Did you know computers and electrical items such as digital cameras account for over 60% of items stolen during home burglaries?
Obviously, you should not draw too much attention to such possessions. It’s simply safer that way. Just move them to an area that’s not easy to see from the outside.
2. Reinforce Your Side Windows
Sometimes, burglars don’t care about being sneaky at all. In such situations, they’ll just look for the nearest side window and try to smash it to gain entry.
That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure windows – especially side windows hidden from public view – are protected by security grilles or bars.
You don’t even have to worry about ruining the aesthetic beauty of your home. That’s because there are numerous decorative grilles and bars available on the market.
3. Use Security System Signage
Out of all the security tips we’ve discussed, this one is definitely more unconventional. Why? It’s because even homeowners who don’t have security measures in place can use them.
Of course, we wouldn’t advise relying solely on them, but it’s a start until you find the security system you’ve been looking for.
Letting burglars know your home is protected can potentially help keep your valuables and loved ones safe.
This method is rather simple, and it won’t cost much or take up a lot of your time.
You can use various types of security signage:
- Decals
- Yard signs
- Plaques
Just place them around the property and you’re done.
But like we said, they aren’t a foolproof method. They might deter a burglar or two, but they can only do so much.
So, why not take things further and invest in some smart security appliances to go along with the signage?
4. Opt for Smart Security – A Time-Tested and Reliable Option
All of the security tips we’ve offered so far can help you enhance the security of your home. However, it’s best not to rely solely on them for protection.
You need to go the extra mile to keep your home, family and valuables safe. In other words, you need top-of-the-line smart security systems.
Take smart locks, for instance. They can properly secure your doors – as in 72% of cases, burglars enter through the front door.
Smart locks can be operated with:
- A remote fob
- A PIN code
- A smartphone
This makes smart locks not only more reliable compared to traditional locks (as there is no key which may get stuck in the lock), but also more convenient.
Moreover, smart security has so much more to offer – like alarms and surveillance cameras, for instance.
Need More Security Tips?
We’re always happy to help. Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for the latest in both smart technology and security.
Also, remember to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get the fastest updates.
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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.
