Finding the right Locksmith

Finding the right locksmith 

Finding the right locksmith can often be difficult. With many local locksmiths not being accredited it can often be hard to ensure the locksmith you choose is correctly trained and insured to carry out the job professionally. However when searching for a local locksmith there are a few things you can look for to be confident the engineer you choose will do the job correctly.

 

Trained and accredited 

There are many providers of locksmith training across the UK. You should choose a locksmith that has been adequately trained; this will leave you confident they are able to do the job correctly. Currently the highest available level of training is a level 4 provided by the NCFE.

CRB checked 

If the locksmith you choose has been CRB or DBS checked this means that the locksmith has undergone satisfactory checks on his or hers criminal record to enable him to work with vulnerable children or adults.

Check their reviews and customer testimonials

It’s always useful to check your locksmiths website to find customer testimonials of their previous work. Customers will often leave good or bad feedback regarding their experience with tradesman, this gives you a good idea of their workmanship standards. You can also use sites such as Trust Pilot to see other customer’s experiences.

Use recognised directories to find your workman

There are many places to search and find locksmiths and tradesman online, however if you are using a directory site try to use well known and frequently used directories like Yell.com and the Thomson Local.

Look for ID

If you are concerned about your locksmith or trusting a stranger in your home always ask your engineer to present identification to certify they are who they say they are. Many larger locksmith firms will require there engineers to carry photo identification cards.

Using Keytek Locksmiths

When using one of Keytek Locksmiths local locksmiths you can be assured that each engineer is a fully accredited locksmith to serve your area. All of our locksmiths have undergone CRB checks and carry the correct identification to certify they are a member of the Keytek Locksmiths network. If you are considering calling a locksmith you can also read our reviews to see what our customers have to say about us on our Trust Pilot profile.

Christmas Security Hints and Tips

Christmas is upon us and as we all patiently wait to see what presents lie under the Christmas tree unfortunately so are many potential intruders, looking to take advantage of the busy social schedules and expensive items on show in homes all across the country.

Research shows that burglars do take a day off on Christmas Day however during the winter months statistics reflect that thefts increase by a massive 20%! Unfortunately, it’s not just homes that are targeted, many fraudsters attack on-line to take advantage of the surge in on-line shopping during December. Christmas is a time to enjoy ourselves, spending time with much loved family and friends, along with all the festive activities we attend around this special time of year. We have put together some helpful hints and tips below to help keep your home and Christmas gifts safe ready to be received on Christmas Day.

1. Christmas Gifts
Try to keep any expensive items out of view of windows and passersby on the street. It’s best to hold off until Christmas Eve on placing any items under the tree. Following the excitement and unwrapping our Christmas gifts we are all left with the vast amount of packaging and boxes that these items come in, whilst we will be quick to get these outside and into the bin it is worth bearing in mind that these can act as adverts to potential intruders, letting them know what valuable items lie inside your home, it is best to set the boxes aside and take these out on the morning the bins are due for collection, or taking them directly to your local dump.

2. Lock all Windows and Doors
During the frantic rush of Christmas we are often in and out of our homes in a hurry trying to get things in order for the holiday which can sometimes mean we become forgetful. Try to stay aware and ensure when leaving your home that all of your windows and doors are closed and locked securely. Pause for a moment, check and check again!

3. Home security
If you don't already have security cameras, it’s a great idea to install some form of home security system. Many potential intruders are opportunists and may take advantage of a target if it arises, a home security system is a fantastic way to deter burglars and keep an eye on your property if you are away.

4. Out shopping
Be alert and aware when out shopping especially in overcrowded busy city and town centres. Try not to have expensive jewellery on show and ensure your purse or wallet are hidden from view. If your’re shopping with lots of bags full of gifts try and stay alert for approaching strangers, many potential thieves may be looking for easy targets to pick pocket.

5. Christmas Shopping
Don't leave presents or valuables on view in your car. If you’re out shopping and have too many bags to carry it’s easy to quickly nip back to the car to drop these off and continue shopping without a second thought. With this in mind, always park your car in well lit, visible areas ideally in a car park with security cameras or guards where your vehicle will be on show, clearly visible and less likely to be targeted by thieves.

6. Buying online
If you’re shopping online it’s good to do your research, if something looks too good to be true it quite often is. Many online criminals will try to take advantage of Christmas shoppers with fly-by websites looking to take customers banking details. Always double check the product and look for websites that offer secure payment like paying with Paypal.
Be mindful when using social media promotions to buy products, a lot of social posts may be unverified and promoted from an unknown website and can use shortened url's to disguise this. If you are looking through social media for deals be sure to use official pages - these will often be verified by a blue tick and have a direct link to the company's website or other social media channels.

7. Social Media
Whilst we can all be swept up in the excitement for the much anticipated Christmas party or perhaps that holiday away over the festive period it is worth keeping in mind that putting these details across social media will advertise that your property will be unoccupied for a certain period and not everyone reading those details will be wishing you a Merry Christmas and to enjoy your time away.

Summer Security

Stay secure during the Summer Holidays with our Summer Home Security Tips!

Whilst enjoying any holiday period whether it is summer, Easter or Christmas, one of the last things on your mind will probably be making sure that your home is secure. Whatever the time of year it is still very important to make sure that the security of your home doesn’t lapse whilst you are enjoying the holidays.

Don’t let a burglary ruin the summer holidays...

Unfortunately higher temperatures are not great for uPVC or wooden doors as changes in heat can often cause doors to swell or shrink. Potentially, these changes can unfortunately leave your property unsecure, as you may be unable to unlock or worse lock your door, leaving your home vulnerable to a break-in. When a door swells or shrinks it’s often a simple case of calling a highly skilled and trained locksmith to fix the problem for you, making ongoing accessibility much easier during those hot summer days, leaving you far less likely to find yourself locked out when you return from a day on the beach!

Problems with your door can be caused by a variety of other factors during the summer; a common cause being simple wear and tear especially when everyone is more partial to popping in and out of the back garden to top up the tan. This can also cause security issues for your home, especially if you’re unable to lock up due to the lock being damaged by continuous use. This problem can also be solved by calling a local locksmith to your home who will be more than willing to fix or replace any locks that have been damaged by wear and tear.  

Also, don’t forget to secure your home even when just popping out to the garden, this includes the window you have left open to catch the rare breeze. Leaving any doors or windows open during a sunbathing session in the garden could leave your home unsecure and pretty much a burglar’s dream of entering your property undetected whilst you’re in the garden.  According to statistics provided in this fantastic UK Burglary report provided by Tesco Compare 73% of burglars use a door to gain entry and in 3% of cases the door was open.   

Avoiding a repeat burglary

Did you know that one in four burglary victims have had their home targeted again after the burglary occurred (Victim Support)?

Unfortunately as figures suggest if you were to be burgled a second time it is likely to be by the same person as they will often believe if they didn’t get caught the first time they won’t get caught the second time therefore your home is more likely to be targeted again. He or she already knows the layout of your home and will most likely wait until you have replaced any stolen items.

If you have already been a victim of burglary, you should take action to prevent it from happening again...

1. Review the security of your home

Take a look round and use the Home Security checklist which you can download here to review the security of your home. Alternatively call a local locksmith on 0800 035 0451 to book in a home security and insurance compliance check.

2. Replace all damaged locks

Make sure any locks on doors or windows that were damaged as a result of the first burglary are replaced by a locksmith. This will also be the best opportunity for you to upgrade your locks to ones that will help to protect your home should a burglar strike again such as the ABS High Security Euro Cylinder. The ABS High Security Euro Cylinder is designed to prevent a burglar from using the snapping method to gain entry on an uPVC or double glazed door.

  

3. Fit lights with motion sensors

Have motion sensing lights fitted to the outside of your home so that the exterior of your home and garden is well lit. This will act as a great burglary deterrent as they are often more confident in the dark.

4. Fit an alarm system

Yale has designed a range of alarms called the ‘Easy Fit Range’ which will allow you to easily install a DIY home alarm system. Each product in the range harnesses pre-programmed wirefree technology and comes with Velcro strips so you don’t have to drill into your wall.  The range is available in four different kits, alongside a range of accessories so that you can tailor your alarm system in order to suit the security of your home.

5. Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme

You can find your local Neighbourhood Watch by visiting www.ourwatch.org.uk

Stay secure over the Easter holidays

Don’t forget to be security conscious this Easter!

Last year Police across the UK urged members of the public to be more security conscious during the Easter break. This year we are doing the same by providing home security tips to staying secure whilst you enjoy the holidays.

Whilst enjoying any holiday period whether it be Easter, Summer or Christmas, the last thing on your mind will probably be the security of your home. However whatever time of year it is, it is still important to make sure your home security doesn’t lapse during these periods.

Don’t let a burglary ruin your Easter...

Many of us will be travelling or going on holiday during the Easter period which is why it can often be a prime time for a burglar to strike! Not all burglaries are opportunistic some are pre-planned where an intruder will watch your house so they know your daily patterns i.e. when you leave your house.

Don’t forget to lock up before you hop off 

If you are going away during the Easter break don’t forget to do the following:

• Lock your doors and windows! Whether you are popping out just for the day or going away for a week it is really important to lock all of your doors and windows as the majority of home insurance providers will not pay out for a claim where entry was made through an unlocked door or window.

• If you are going on holiday for a long period of time ask a trusted neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your house.

• Ask the Royal Mail to hold any post during your holiday. Through the Royal Mail’s Keepsafe™ scheme your post and parcels can be held for up to 66 days. This will help to prevent post from piling up and alerting an intruder that your home is unoccupied.

• Make your home appear occupied. Leave all blinds or curtains open and leave a light on (if possible) so it appears your home isn’t unoccupied.  If you can’t leave a light on it may be worth investing in a light with a timer, these can be purchased online.

• Don’t share your holiday plans on any form of Social Media. Posting your plans could advertise that your home is unoccupied.

• Lock your garage or shed. 

How to prevent distraction burglary

What is distraction burglary?

Distraction burglary is when an intruder calls at your home posing as a tradesman or someone asking for your help with something. They will make up any kind of story in order to gain entry to your home as they have only one intention, to steal!

Common lies an intruder will say to convince you to let them into your home:

• “I’m from the ‘Water Board’, there’s a leak down the road I need to check your water supply.” – Don’t be fooled this will never be true as the phrase ‘water board’ is no longer a phrase used by legitimate organisations.
• “I need to read your meter.” – Always check with your utility supplier that this is a legitimate representative before you let them and check that they carry identification. Some suppliers operate a password scheme.
• “We’re the police, we’ve caught a burglar, we think he’s stolen your cash and we need to check your money is safe.” – A genuine police officer will never do this. Under no circumstances should you let them into your home. 

No ID? No way!

A genuine representative or trader will always be more than happy to show you their identification. An ID card will confirm who they are and the company they work for. If they refuse to show you their ID or stop you from examining it more carefully, shut the door and phone the police on 999 immediately. Police across the UK are urging members of the public to report any rogue traders that may be operating in your local area to reduce the risk of doorstep crime and distraction burglary. 

Download our 'Bogus Caller Initiative' sign by clicking the image below to deter rogue traders or a potential intruder... 

    

Rogue Traders – Do’s and Don’ts 

 

• Don’t ever go to a bank or cash point with a trader; legitimate traders would never do this!
• Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into agreeing to have work carried out. If you ask them to leave and they don’t, call the police dial 999.
• Do discuss any work you feel needs carrying out on your property with a relative or friend who can help you find a reputable trader.

If you suspect a bogus caller call 999 immediately and report it to the police.

(Source: Wycombe District Council)

 Book a CRB checked local locksmith by calling 0800 035 0451 or visiting www.keytek.co.uk

Master Suites, new office and business security resolutions!

It’s time to be more security conscious...

 

As part of your New Year’s resolutions for 2015 it may be worth thinking about being more security conscious when it comes to the security of your business or office.

Why not upgrade your office and business security by having a Master Suite system fitted by a local locksmith!

What is a Master Suite?

A Master Key suite is a state of the art system designed for operational convenience. It gives designated key holders access to specific areas or buildings, and the master key holder access to all locks on the suite.

How does a Master Suite work?

 

Alternative options...

Construction Master Keyring

This function enables constructers (builders) to issue a construction key that will operate all the cylinders under the system, once the property has been handed over to the tenant/owner the construction key is locked out once the cylinder is operated by the tenant/owners key. This system eliminates the need for multiple keys during the build process.

Key Life or Landlords Systems

This system is designed to minimise the changing of door cylinders when tenants leave the property (for whatever reason) but do not return all copies of the key to the landlord. Key changes are designed into the cylinder so when a tenant leaves, the next tenant key once operated in the cylinder will lock out the previous tenant's key. Up to 4 key lives can be built into the cylinder. This type of arrangement is not normally under a master key as most landlords are not happy to hold master keys to tenant's properties.

All systems or suites described on this page will come with restricted keys therefore any additional keys required will need to be cut by the initial supplier. Anyone in possession of these restricted keys will not be able to get any additional keys cut unless they have authorisation to do so, giving you added peace of mind when it comes to the security of your business.

Business and Office Security Tips

• Be aware of anyone who visits your office or business. Install a visitors book in your main reception or entrance and ask anyone who isn’t an employee to sign in and sign out, you may want to consider time of arrival/departure and car registration.
• Check the ID of any tradesmen/suppliers.
• Ensure all valuables such as purses, wallets or mobile phones are not left in plain sight of a passerby.   
• Never leave a laptop in an unlocked office, meeting area or anywhere that is not secure.
• Keep your key fob or card on your person at all times and don’t loan it to other members of staff.
• Lock your computer when you are away from your desk to avoid being a victim of any fraudulent activity.
• Back up and encrypt any data that may be important and sensitive.
• Ensure all staff are using strong and multiple passwords.
• If your office or business has a staff car park ensure no valuables are left in any vehicles. 
• Draw any blinds or curtains once everyone has finished for the day to ensure any valuables/office equipment can’t be seen by any passersby.
• Make sure that all windows and doors are locked before leaving.

Happy Christmas from Keytek Locksmiths!

Stay secure this Christmas by following our Home Security Tips!

Tip 12 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Call a local locksmith to book in a home security and insurance compliance check!

Call a local locksmith to book in a home security and insurance compliance check, they will be more than happy to upgrade the security of your home for your peace of mind over the Christmas period.

Tip 11 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Check the locks on any gates or sheds and upgrade/replace if necessary. 

Make sure anything that can be used by a burglar to gain entry to your property i.e. garden tools is safely locked away.

As part of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s ‘The Top Five Operation Guardian Tips’ they recommend securing your garden by shutting and locking any gates and making sure you lock away any garden tools as these can be used by burglars to break in.

For more information on the security of ‘your garden and outside the home’ see Hertfordshire Constabulary’s advice here.

In 2012 the Guardian even reported that thefts in garden furniture and accessories had soared as the value of what we buy for the garden has increased, a survey by Confused.com showed that the average value of a British garden’s contents was £825, this included garden tools, lawnmowers, patio furniture and barbecues.  All of these items are easy pickings for an opportunistic burglar, so lock them away!

Tip 10 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Use a UV pen to mark any valuables so if the worse does happen it may help to make recovery easier.

Many Police Forces and Home Insurance Providers will advise marking any valuables especially those that are more mobile i.e. a laptop or tablet. 

A burglary infographic from Tesco Compare showed that the top 5 most stolen items included...

• Mobile Phones (6%)

• Jewellery and Watches (11%)

• Cameras and MP3 Players (13%)

• Laptops (15%)

• Money (17%)

Marking your valuables will usually deter thieves from stealing them as an item that is clearly marked will be more difficult for a thief to sell and will often reduce the items value (Devon and Cornwall police). It also helps to increase the chance of your property being identified if the worse did happen and it was either lost or stolen.

Norfolk Constabulary recommends the following ways to effectively mark your property:

• Electronic marking – Use property register website Immobilise to electronically register your valuables details. This helps Police Forces across the UK to identify the owner of any lost or stolen items.

• UV pen marking – Use a UV pen (invisible to the naked eye) to mark your valuables ideally write your postcode, house number or house name. Usually stickers are supplied with any UV pens which indicate that the valuables are marked; these can deter a burglar from stealing your property in the first place.

• Photography – Taking detailed photos of your valuables will help to prove they are yours if they are stolen.

• Permanent Marker Pen/Paint – This is recommended for marking large items such as machinery, garden equipment and tools.

• Postcode Stencil – This is literally a stencil of your postcode, which is applied with paste and etches your details onto your valuables.

• DNA Technology - There are several products available that use DNA technology to mark valuables. They contain microdots with unique reference numbers that are linked to your home. These are detected with a UV light and the information is then obtained from the microdots.

• Inventories – Inventory all of your valuable items either by listing them, taking photographs or videos.

Tip 9 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Light it up!

Lights with sensors in the garden and at the front of your property will help to deter a burglar as they are more confident when working in the dark.

As the nights draw darker, during the winter months it is really worth considering installing motion detector lights externally to your home.

Considering that the majority of burglaries take place during the night, (56% of recorded burglaries happen at night according to Tesco Compare), it is definitely a good idea to have security lights fitted to your property as these can help to deter a burglar from breaking into your home, as they are less likely to feel confident breaking into a property that is well-lit. The majority of Police Forces will advise this as an additional security measure, “consider fitting outside security lighting or a visible alarm to help deter burglars” (ThamesValley Police). ThamesValley Police also advise “using pea shingle or gravel on a driveway and spiky plants in garden beds”.   

Tip 8 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Keep out any unwanted guests!

It is always a good idea to have a spy hole or door chain fitted to your front door especially in the holiday season where you are more likely to receive more visitors to your home.

When evaluating the security of your home it is important to consider that you may need additional security such as a spy hole or door chain, which will not only improve the security of your home by allowing you to keep out unwanted guests but will also add to your peace of mind. The Metropolitan Police advises that a spy hole and door chain or even a limiter should be fitted for added safety and security as “these will enable you to deal with callers to your front door whilst retaining a level of security.” 

Tip 7 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Store all sets of keys away from the front door! 

Whatever time of year it is, it’s never a good idea to leave your keys anywhere near your front door. A letterbox cage or guard can be fitted; burglars will often use the letterbox to retrieve keys stored inside the house.

When thinking about the security of your home, it is always a good idea to think like a burglar!

Look for any potential security risks that may be used to the advantage of a burglar i.e. spare keys under the mat. In a recent survey by Keytek™ it was found that over 20% of Britons were still leaving spare keys hidden in an unsecure location such as under a plant pot in the garden.

Many will advise against this, including the Charity Age UK who advise on their website not to leave spare keys in “obvious places such as under a flower pot or doormat or hanging inside the letterbox”. For a relatively small cost it is advisable to have a Key Safe fitted in a hidden location on the outside of your home by a local locksmith.  A Key Safe is a secure box where you can safely and securely store your keys without having to hide them or to rely on a neighbour or family member to look after them. 

It is also advised that you don’t store any keys or ID documents near to a door or window that is accessible externally to minimise the risk of what is sometimes referred to as ‘fishing’. Insurance provider Aviva explains that “thieves will use props such as coat hangers and fishing rods to hook keys”. Key ‘fishing’ can be minimised not only by storing your keys away from any doors or windows but also by having a letterbox cage/guard fitted to your door by a locksmith. Letterbox brushes can be fitted to avoid a burglar seeing where your keys are stored. 

Tip 6 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Don’t share your holiday plans!

 

Don’t discuss any holiday plans on any type of open forum i.e. Facebook. I’m sure you have all heard the horror stories where over a thousand people turned up to a party that had been made public on Facebook, it would be like that but a party for... burglars!

According to online etiquette blog ‘Netmanners’ social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter are accessible by anyone although you are letting your ‘friends’ know what you are up to there is always the underlying issue that anyone can access your information and find out what you are up to i.e. burglars.

An interactive Facebook App was developed in 2011 to highlight the dangers of posting too much personal information on the internet called ‘Take This Lollipop’. The short horror film takes personal information from your profile through the use of your pictures and messages and shows a ‘Facebook stalker’ typing on a computer with your personal information appearing on his screen and then eventually he uses Google maps to pinpoint your position then he is seen driving to your location, therefore demonstrating to you the dangers of sharing personal information on the internet. 

Tip 5 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Window shopping for burglars!

Remember the Grinch who stole Christmas... never ever leave any presents or valuables where they can be seen by a burglar i.e. in view of a window.

The majority of home insurance providers will advise that you keep any valuables out of sight. According to Aviva you should be aware of any ‘top pickings’ for burglars; “consoles, games and DVDs make up 62% of belongings stolen”, “other favourites include cameras, computers, mobile phones, MP3 players and jewellery” (Aviva). 

Christmas presents and valuables can be safely stored away in a lockable cupboard or drawer.

Tip 4 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Join your local Neighbourhood Watch! 

As part of our home security advice we recommend that you either join or start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. 

The Neighbourhood Watch works to bring neighbours together who want to look out for each other, creating strong, friendly, active communities where crime and antisocial behaviour are less likely to happen.

To find your local Neighbourhood Watch, or for information on how to start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, please visit www.ourwatch.org.uk/

Alternatively if you don’t have a Neighbourhood Watch in your area and are going away for Christmas, inform a trusted neighbour that you are doing so, so they can keep an eye on your property.

Tip 3 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Going away during the Christmas Holidays?

If you are going to be away for a long period of time ask Royal Mail to hold your mail - they will do this for up to 2 months. 

The Royal Mail operates a Keepsafe™ service during the Holidays. This service literally consists of the Royal Mail holding onto any parcel and letters whilst you're away for up to 66 days and will deliver them to your home once you have returned.

The service is supported by The Home Office Identity Fraud Steering Committee as it reduces the risk of identity fraud when you are on Holiday as the service ensures that you do not leave any obvious clues to your absence such as a mountain of letters piled up on your doormat (Royal Mail).

Tip 2 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

If you’re going to be away from your home for a long period of time leave a light on or on a timer. Leaving a television or radio on is also a good alternative to leaving the lights on.

 

As the Holidays approach the majority of us will be frequently out of the house for longer periods of time whether that is due to attending an office party or just simply doing the Christmas shopping. In order to deter a burglar from breaking into your home it is regularly advised that if you are planning on returning when it is most likely to be dark, “lighting up your home is a useful deterrent of burglary” (Metropolitan Police). 

Tip 1 of The 12 Home Security Tips of Christmas...

Don’t give a burglar a leg up!

Store all bins and ladders away from your property. These could be used by an intruder to gain access to a 1st floor window.

The majority of leading home insurance providers will recommend that it is always a good idea to lock up anything that can be used by a burglar to gain entry to a first floor window or climb over a fence i.e. wheelie bins and ladders. 

Home insurance provider Saga advise that all ladders should be securely locked away in a garage or shed. If you are using a garage or shed with windows to store anything that can be used by a burglar to gain entry it is also good to have curtains fitted to stop anyone from seeing in!