LockRite Locksmiths Blog
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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
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Home Safety Tricks that Will Take Any Burglars by Surprise
There are a lot of valuable insights regarding home safety you should know about. For instance, 59% of all burglaries in the UK happen while the owner is in the house.
There are multiple reasons why this happens. But your takeaway from this data is that you should be preoccupied with home safety even when you’re not away on a holiday.
Here’s what you need to do:
Get Burglar Alarms
That is the first thing you should do. Why? It can keep burglars away.
Some people choose dummy alarms. For them, it provides a – false – sense and appearance of security.
Dummy surveillance cameras or fake alarm system decals are a way to keep burglars away. That’s because it makes it look like there is a high chance they will get caught.
Still, while dummy alarms are cost-efficient, they aren’t very reliable.
Here’s a better idea instead.
Invest in Smart Security Systems for Extra Home Safety
Dummy security systems are a cheap way to maintain the illusion of home security. However, they don’t actually provide any safety.
If a burglar realizes it’s all fake, you’re in danger. Nothing is stopping them from getting inside your home. Well, there’s a better solution.
Smart security systems include locks, sensors, alarms, and cameras. They can all communicate with each other. You can also access them remotely, while on holiday, for example.
If a burglar tampers with one of them, they will alert the owner immediately. That will take the thieves by surprise, and there is a high chance they will bail.
Install Anti-Snap Locks
Lock snapping is a technique burglars use to get inside your home. Some types of lock cylinders are easy to tamper with. Actually, an experienced thief can get inside your house in under a minute.
Anti-snap locks are far more durable and hard to destroy. No burglar expects to struggle more than a moment with your locks. If you’re interested in this, or you want to know further details, feel free to contact us.
Prevention Helps More than You’d Think
Prevention is the best “offence” against burglars. That is something you have to take care of, though. What we can help with, however, is giving you some helpful tips:
- Hide your jewellery
- Make sure you don’t have a mirror reflecting your home alarm
- Don’t leave a ladder in your backyard
- Keep your lawn clean and trimmed
- Remove flyers from your doorstep
Jewellery attract burglars like a magnet. It’s a sign that they can find valuable goods inside your home.
Here’s another thing to consider: Keep everything clean and in top shape. That is a sign that people are living there. Otherwise, your home might seem abandoned.
If You Live in a Bad Neighbourhood
If homes in your neighbourhood are often targeted by burglars, go the extra mile:
- Reinforce your door jams if you have weak door frames
- Invest in toughened glass windows
- Find a secret hiding place for your jewellery
These are the most straightforward measures you should take to boost your home safety. In the end, it’s not about the goods – it’s about your family’s safety.
We are a professional team of expert locksmiths. Working with us gets you access to the latest technology in home security. We also provide burglary repairs.
For more information about how we can make your home safer, get in touch with us.
How to Keep Your Home Safe when Going on Holiday
Every holiday should be about having fun. However, unexpected trouble at home can ruin that. So, if you want to keep your home safe when you’re away on holiday, you need to be careful.
Many burglars keep an eye out for homes that stay empty for a few days. Also, something can always go wrong – a leaking pipe, for example.
So, in this article, you will see what you should do to keep burglars away and prevent serious issues:
Prepare Your Home for the Holiday
You and your family are not the only ones who need to be ready for the holiday. If you want to keep your home safe while you are away, make sure it is prepared for your absence.
Here are the most important things you need to know:
- Don’t make noticeable changes – leave your curtains the way you usually do
- Hide your valuable goods – jewellery or other expensive items
- Ask a friend to check on the house – to feed your cat, water your plants
Keep Your Home Safe by Unplugging Home Appliances
There are multiple reasons why it’s a good idea to unplug home appliances. First of all, they keep consuming power even when they’re in standby mode.
Granted, they don’t use up as much power like when they’re on, but it’s nothing you should overlook. You could save a little money on energy bills, after all.
The second reason is safety. If something breaks down inside your home, it can get bad – real bad.
After all, faulty appliances and leads were the cause of 16% of all fires in the UK, between April 2014 and March 2015.
A Smart Home Is a Safe Home
The idea of smart homes is becoming more and more popular every day, however not everyone has embraced the idea of a smart home yet.
Nevertheless, here’s what you need to know: A smart home is a house with security devices and sensors that are connected to the Internet. They can also communicate with each other, and the owner can monitor them remotely.
A smart home is far safer than a standard one. In case a small fire breaks out, it can turn on the safety features. It will also alert the owner.
You can also keep your home safe when you’re on holiday by fitting it with smart locks. These locks don’t require a key. You can simply talk with a friend to check on the house every once in a while.
When he/she gets there, tell them to let you know. Then, use your smartphone to unlock the door – simple and easy.
A smart home allows you to keep it safe by giving you control over the lights. Some people would advise you to keep a light on even while away on holiday – so burglars would think there is somebody home.
That could be effective when you’re away for a few days. But for longer periods of time, you can turn the lights on for only a few hours when it gets dark. Thus, you don’t waste any money on energy bills.
It will be a lot easier to keep your home safe while on holiday. You can spend your time relaxing. Or, you can check on your house by using your phone.
We are a team of experts who have plenty of experience with lock repairs and replacements. You can get access to some of the best smart security systems available by working with us.
Get in touch with us if you need further guidance or if you have any questions.
Not Sure if You Have an Outdated Alarm System? Here Are 4 Signs to Look out for
Technology is ever-changing. The same goes for security. Have you ever wondered if you have an outdated alarm system? That could cause some serious problems.
The biggest issue is that an outdated system will not be able to provide enough security for your home. Burglars can disable old security systems with ease.
So how do you tell if you’ve got an obsolete security system? Here are four signs you should not ignore:
1. Outdated Alarm Systems That Use Land Lines and Hard Wired Sensors
Security systems use a communication method to reach out to the owner. Old ones use land lines. While the only communication method back in the days, they have been replaced now.
So it is important to fit your home with newer alarm systems. They are way harder to disable. That will prevent burglars from going inside your home without any fear of getting caught.
The same goes for sensors. The wired ones can be disabled with ease. This type of outdated alarm system leaves you and your home vulnerable.
Plus, did you know that every 45 seconds in the UK, there’s an attempted burglary? If your security isn’t good enough, you may find yourself in a bad situation.
Modern alarm systems use wireless methods of communication. They have many great features that keep you safe.
2. Low-Resolution Cameras
Did you ever try to see if you can recognise someone using your security cameras? If it’s an outdated alarm system, chances are you will not be able to do it.
That happens because old CCTV systems function at low resolutions.
Modern options, on the other hand, are more performant. Moreover, modern cameras have a dedicated night mode function. That enables you to see details even in the dark.
It is always a good idea to upgrade your security system. Modern cameras also allow you to check on your home using your smartphone or tablet. If the smart sensors are triggered, they will use the cameras to take a picture and send it to you immediately.
3. Outdated Software and Hardware
Technology evolves so fast that what was next-generation five years ago, is nowadays obsolete. That is relevant when talking about locks and alarms.
An outdated alarm system doesn’t allow you to control it remotely. It does not have access or sensors for the locks. That makes it extremely vulnerable, as mentioned before.
Big security software and hardware manufacturers continually release updates. These are meant to make the system more efficient and burglar-proof.
Smart locks are a great way to boost your home security. You can access them remotely, and you’ll no longer need a key.
They work even when the power is out. Plus, they cannot be jammed. They get constant updates and keep up with the latest trends in home security.
4. You Can Only Access It from Home
In 2016, we’re using our smartphones for more complex tasks than we could’ve imagined years ago. Home security is one of those tasks as well. But if you can’t do that, it means you have an outdated alarm system.
All the security systems described so far can communicate with each other. The sensors can tell the security cameras to snap a picture of what/who triggered them. The smart alarm system will notify you. And you can check your home even while on holidays.
As a team of professional locksmiths, choosing LockRite ensures you have the choice in latest home security solutions. Feel free to contact us online if you have any questions or just looking to get a quote.
Remember to also check out our offers if you are interested in upgrading your current security system.
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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.
