Home Security Must Have’s For 2016

Apple home kit

We use our iPhones everyday and with Apple homekit you can securely control your home from the palm of your hand. Homekit works through apps to control various home products, you can control lighting, locks, heating and cooling, plugs and switches and even home blinds. Each home product can be set manually or put on timers for if you would like your bathroom heater to turn on at 5.00am or lights to switch on from motion sensors.

Netatmo Welcome

Netatmo protects your family in a new innovative way. Welcome is a home security system from Netatmo that uses facial recognition to detect family members as they pass by, Netatmo then sends the names of people detected loved ones or strangers directly to your smart phone. Welcome is exceptionally easy to set up place the camera indoors facing your entrance, plug it in an download the app and Netatmo is ready to go.

Nest Meet

Nest cam is a clean 1800p HD home security camera designed to watch out for your family when you can’t. Use net cam as a baby monitor, pet cam or to keep an eye on your property and stream 1080p video straight to your smart phone or laptop. Nest cam will also send you alerts to phone if it notices any activity when you’re not watching your video feed.

Ulo surveillance

Ulo is a cute surveillance camera that interacts with you though eye expressions, Ulo creates a unique bond like no other device and truly connects with its user. Ulo communicates through eye expressions and the mobile app enables you to customize eye colour, shape and size to match the interior of your home. No logo’s are displayed on Ulo, eye expressions let you know what Ulo is thinking. For instance if Ulo’s battery is low its eyes squint, Ulo will blinks if a snap shot is being taken and its eyes follow your movements and squint if someone is watching live video. Once your Smartphone leaves the wifi network every moment will be recorded in an animated gif. Infrared also enables Ulo to see perfectly in darkness and can talk by customizable sounds . Ulo is the first in the next generation of interactive Smart devices.

Invoxia Triby

Invoxia is a revolutionary speaker that acts as the hub of the family through music and communication. Triby is a speaker that connects the whole of your family at the touch of button. Play music, send doodles to your children to say your be home or make phones calls from Triby even if you are busy by using its 15 ft hands-free option or play music throughout the home.

ADT Pulse

ADT Pulse is ADT’s answer to a smart home. From almost anywhere you can arm or disarm your security system and control your lighting, climate control and video using ADT Pulse. Control all aspects of the home security form Z-Wave ADT’s command centre from any web enabled computer.

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.

Keytek Home Security Advice

According to Halifax Home Insurance, there is a 10% increase in domestic burglaries and a 40% increase in thefts during the summer. With this in mind, are you doing all that you can to secure your home and prevent it from potential intruders this summer and in the following months? The Metropolitan Police advise that the Top Ten tips for securing your home are as follows:

1. Don't leave your keys or ID documents within easy reach of doors, letterboxes or windows.
2. Close and lock all doors and windows. If you have multi-locking door handles, lift the handle, lock it with the key and remove it - LIFT - LOCK - REMOVE. Put the key out of sight but in a safe place in case of fire.
3. Lock garages and sheds so garden tools and ladders can’t be used to break into your home.
4. Keep side gates locked and wheelie bins stored behind them.
5. Use timer switches linked to lights and a radio so it appears that someone is at home.
6. Invest in a safe for valuables and sentimental items and securely fix it to a solid surface.
7. Install a visible intruder alarm system - burglars don't want to be seen or heard. 
8. Install low level 'dusk till dawn' lighting to increase visibility and deter burglars. 
9. Keep side and rear boundaries high to restrict access and front boundaries low to remove hiding places.
10. Photograph and mark valuables and sentimental items with your postcode and house number/name. Register items with serial numbers at: immobilise.com

Now that you have some great advice to help make your home more secure, are you taking precautions for your own personal security? Whether you’re out and about or surfing the web, personal security should always be carefully considered. Take a look at our personal security page for some great tips to keep you safe! http://www.keytek.co.uk/personal-security.aspx

Don’t forget about your garden security! This can sometimes be overlooked, so make sure you are doing all you can to make it safe from potential intruders. For more information and some handy tips take a look at our Garden Security Blog! https://www.keytekshop.co.uk/home-garden-security

Source: http://content.met.police.uk/Article/Top-Ten-tips-for-securing-your-home/1400031421159/crimepreventionhomesecurity http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/about_us/projects_campaigns/abssummerlockin

Moving Home Hassle Free

How to move home securely

Moving home is said to be one of the most stressful times of our lives. Issues with paperwork, solicitors’ appointments, estate agents and then the worry of the sale potentially falling through are some of the factors that add to the stress of the ordeal. After possibly one of your most expensive purchases, comes the much anticipated move involving more exercise than you’ve probably done all year. Once all is over and you’ve finally settled into your new home, comes a vital part that many people either forget or disregard... the importance of having the locks changed on your new property.

If you think of your current house key and how many people you know that have a spare, it becomes slightly worrying when you realise you have no idea how many people could have a key to your new home. Changing the locks when you move home should be a basic security precaution for every home owner, but this is still something many people forget or possibly never do. As well as leaving your home and its contents potentially unsecure, many insurance companies will not pay out if an intruder gains entry using a key, as there generally needs to be clear signs of breaking and entering.

When moving home and changing the locks there are a few things you should consider. You should check with your insurance company prior to the change to make sure they don’t have any minimum requirements. Many insurance companies will require you to have a tried and tested British standard lock fitted to your door and your locks changed can be fairly expensive making this an important requirement to double check, prior to a locksmith attending your property. When getting your locks changed/upgraded, it may also be worth investing in a key safe. Key safes are a fantastic way of storing spare keys; meaning you won’t run the risk of being locked out. You also have the security of knowing that the key is safe, especially since nearly 20% of people still hide their spare keys in an area of their garden in places many intruders will know to look.  If you are interested in buying a key safe, take a look at www.keytekshop.co.uk.

Whilst the locksmith is changing the locks, it’s a good idea to have a security check completed on your home at this point. Potential intruders could enter the property through a window so if you’re missing any window keys or the locks are looking a little old, it’s a good idea to have these checked also. These simple tips and considerations can help you enjoy your new home with no worries or shocks in or out of the house. If you would like to read any more information on home security and locksmith services, our website has lots of useful information! 

You can visit our website by going to www.keytek.co.uk. Or if after reading this blog you need your locks changing, call us now on 0800 035 0451! 

How vulnerable is your home

There are many different reasons why a burglar may break in to your home, although some are opportunistic whereby they will take the opportunity when it arises i.e. a door or window is left open, others will scope out your property beforehand. Therefore it is important to evaluate the security of your home to ensure your home isn’t targeted by a burglar whether it is opportunistic or pre-planned.

Ask yourself the following questions when evaluating the security of your home:

·         Are the locks on any doors and windows visible?

By making sure these are visible will help to deter a burglar as they will be able to see it will be harder to break in.

·         Are any doors or windows left open, even if it isn’t easy to access them?

Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving your home.

·         Ensure all your windows are locked and closed at night

When closing up your windows for the night ensure they are all locked and securely shut. If any small top windows are accidently left open or open to let in cold air overnight a burglar can easily reach through and open a large window internally.

·         Do you have any lights with sensors fitted to the exterior of your property?

Fitting lights with sensors to the outside of your home will ensure your home is well lit if an intruder was to approach your property. These will not only help to alert you and your neighbours but may deter an intruder from breaking into your home as they tend to be confident when working in the dark.

·         Is the front of your home visible from the road?

Having high walls and hedges can give a burglar protection from being seen therefore making sure your home is visible is important.

·         Is accessing your home noisy?

Consider having gravel placed on your driveway as it is impossible to walk on gravel without making a noise. The more difficult you make it for a burglar to access your home without making a noise the less likely you are to be a victim of burglary.

·         When you are on holiday or away from your home is it obvious that your home is unoccupied?

Make sure that when you are going to be away from your home for a long period of time that you do the following:

-          Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home whilst you’re away. Ask them to open and close curtains etc so that it appears that your home is occupied.

-          Cancel any deliveries such as the newspaper or milk.

-          Use the Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service to hold any letters or parcels whilst you’re away to avoid any post piling up whilst your home is unoccupied.

·         Are there any ladders or equipment lying around that can be used by a burglar to gain entry to your home?

Make sure that any ladders or equipment that could be used to break in to your home are stored securely in a locked garage or shed.

Make sure you check out www.keytekshop.co.uk’s wide range of burglary deterrents to protect your home from opportunistic burglars!   

We built a shop!!!

So its launch day! Locks, shopping carts and logos have been the topic of conversation here in the

Keytek™ office the last couple of months, as we continue to look for ways to improve our services and our customer needs by offering better access to excellent security products.  In the recent months we’ve been doing just that with the creation of our first online lock shop, which you may have heard about from our recent blogs and on our social media. After months of hard work we are all very excited to announce the launch of our new online shop, Keytek shop, now security really can be brought to your door, quite literally!

The project started back in March 2015 when we felt we needed to offer our customers a means of improving their security at home with great products. The idea of not only providing a locksmithing service for changing your locks and emergency call outs, but also to pass on our knowledge and recommendations to help you purchase new security items for your home from a trusted and respected  brand. Keytekshop has been packed with all the best security products we could find ranging from Yale laptop safes to intruder deterrents to decoy safes in the shape of soup cans, all on a simple, clear shopping platform. With Keytekshop, improving your home security couldn’t be easier. However if you do struggle, or are not quite sure we’ve added in a helpful online chat service with an expert on hand to help you with choosing the right product. So go on over to our shop and have a look through our range of products to see what you can find to help secure the things you love and as a gift on us we are giving you 20% off on ALL products on our site and free delivery on orders over £40.

Also don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter if you would like to receive offers, promotions and useful tips on improving your home security. More information and advice on the products we stock can be found at keytekshop.co.uk         

How to turn your old smart phone into a home security camera

The majority of us will have some sort of unused smart phone lying around our house, there are many different ways you can utilise your old smart phone so that it doesn’t remain unused. One way to ‘recycle’ your old smart phone is relatively easy and can bring you peace of mind when you are away from home is to turn into a home security camera.

Below are the different methods for turning an Android or iOS smart phone into a home security camera...

How to turn your old Android phone into a home security camera

1. Download the Home Security IPCamera App (Free) from the Google Play Store 

2. Follow the installation instructions on the Home Security IPCamera App 

3. Login to Trackview using the Home Security IPCamera App, you can login using your existing Gmail account user name and password. 

4. Set up your smart phone anywhere in your home you wish to monitor. Using the Home Security IP Camera App you can monitor, track or buzz using the smart phone you carry with you every day. You can also check the alert messages, record and playback your clips.

5. The Home Security IPCamera App allows you to use more than one device so if you have more than one unused smart phone lying around, you could use the steps above to set it up as an additional home security camera (just make sure you use the same login for all the devices you wish to use). 

How to turn your old iPhone into a home security camera

1. Download the Manything App (Free) from the App Store 

2. Follow the installation instructions on the Manything App

3. Register your device

4. Press record

5. Login into manything.com to watch live, playback to any point in time and to create and share your clips from your desktop computer or the iPhone you use every day.

6. The Manything App also allows you to connect to connect to any smarthome features you may have installed your home via the IFTTT channel.

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

Garden Home Security

Keep your garden and home secure by taking these simple home security steps...

1. Keep your garden tidy

Keeping your front garden tidy and secure could help to prevent a break-in. Generally a tidier garden will deter an intruder from even trying to break-in your home as it gives the impression your home may be more secure and harder to break into where as an untidy garden could give the opposite impression.

2. Trim your hedges

Trim back any hedges and make sure the front of your house is clearly visible from the road as a burglar will be more confident if they cannot be seen by your neighbours or any passersby. Gates, fencing, walls or hedges shouldn’t be more than 1 metre high.

3. Use gravel pathways

Using gravel for pathways will be impossible for an intruder to walk on it without making a sound and will help to alert you to their presence.

4. Fit lights with motion sensors

Have motion sensing lights fitted to the outside of your home. This will act as a great burglary deterrent as they are often more confident in the dark.

5. Make sure your shed or garage are secure

Garden sheds and garages are often an easy target for a burglar as they are often over looked in terms of security. The contents of a shed can add up to hundreds of pounds especially if you are using it to store valuables such as lawn mowers, strimmers, tools and bicycles. Therefore it is definitely worth investing in additional security for your shed or garage.

• Where appropriate fit additional security such as a padlock, padbolts, hasp and staple.

• A wireless alarm can also be fitted, although this won’t be connected to your home’s burglar alarm system the siren will alert you and the neighbourhood when a burglar has tried to break-in.

• Where there are windows fit curtains so a burglar cannot see the contents of your garage or shed.

Flats and Apartments Home Security

Keep your flat and apartment secure with these handy home security tips!

1. Get the locks changed

When moving into a new flat or apartment it is important that you have the locks changed. Failure to do so could result in your home being vulnerable to a break-in by someone who may have obtained a key during the previous ownership or tenancy. If the property is rented always make sure you seek the landlord’s permission before changing the locks.

2. Communal door security

When evaluating the security of the communal entry to your flat or apartment building always make sure that fire regulations take precedence and if you are in doubt of this the Police advise contacting your local Fire Officer and your local police Crime Prevention Officer.

3. Fit a wireless alarm

It is always a good idea to think about what additional home security can be fitted to ensure you are taking the necessary precautions to protect your home and equally as important yourself. As part of the ‘Easy Fit’ range, Yale has developed an alarm specifically designed for those living in a flat or apartment. The Yale Easy Fit Apartment Alarm is a keypad operated system that when triggered a loud internal siren will sound and alert others of an intrusion.

4. Fit a letterbox guard

A letterbox guard or cage will help to prevent an intruder from using a letterbox to gain access to your flat or apartment. It will also help to prevent a method used by burglars to gain entry called ‘key fishing’ where they will use some sort of makeshift device, usually made from household items, to fish your keys from your door lock or where they are hung up.

5. Fit a door viewer

Have a door viewer fitted so you can see who is calling before opening the door which helps you to keep out any unwanted visitors.      

Top Five Home Security Products

Protect your home with these handy home security products.

1. Philips Hue Wireless Bulbs Starter Kit (£179)

The Philips Hue Wireless Bulbs Starter Kit contains everything you would need to control the lighting in your home from a device such as a smart phone or table.

Hue lights, bulbs and LED strips allow homeowners to control the lighting in their home via the Hue app (Free). The Hue app allows the user to turn the lights on and off, adjust brightness and change the colour all from your smart phone and tablet. Lights can even be automated to turn on and off at times that suit you which acts as a great burglary deterrent.

2. Yale Easy Fit Alarm Range (ranges from around £150 - £500 dependant on model) 

Yale has designed a range of alarms called the ‘Easy Fit Range’ which allows homeowners to easily install a DIY home alarm system. Each product in the range harnesses pre-programmed wirefree technology.  The range is available in four different kits, alongside a range of accessories so that you can tailor it to suit the security of your home.

3. Ring Video Doorbell ($199)

The Ring Video Doorbell is a wireless doorbell that allows you to answer your door from your iOS or Android phone by connecting to your WiFi. A wide angled HD camera with motion detection allows users to see who is at their door and sends an instant alert to your smart phone.  

4. Fake TV (£19.99)

Fake TV is a home security product which gives the illusion that someone is at home watching TV. The home security product is programmed to automatically turn on when it is dark outside to act as a burglary deterrent.

5. iSmartAlarm Home Security System (£199.95) 

The wireless iSmartAlarm Home Security System puts you in control—thanks to do-it-yourself in-home installation and self-monitoring and control from the iSmartAlarm app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Even better, there are no monthly fees or contracts.

Top Five Home Security Apps

Be one step ahead with the security of your home by downloading these handy home security apps for iOS and Android.

1. AtHome Camera (Free)

The AtHome Camera is an application for iOS and Android which allows the user to remotely turn a PC, smart TV/set-top box, smart phone and tablet into a home monitoring system, enabling you to keep an eye on your property through live streaming when you aren’t at home. The handy app will alert you wherever you are if motion is detected within your home whilst you’re away.

2. Manything Home Security Webcam (Free)

The Manything application allows you to turn any iOS device into a free home monitoring camera. The app features live streaming, motion alerts, remote control and cloud recording. Similar to the AtHome Camera this application will allow you to keep tabs on your home when you’re not there or in another room.

3. Yale Crime Watcher (Free)

Find out more about the burglaries that have occurred in your local area with the Yale Crime Watcher application. Simply input your postcode for current burglary statistics within a mile of your home (during a one month period). All statistics are powered by the Police API system which means all the information given is up to date and accurate. The app also gives you tips and advice on how you can secure your home using Yale products.

4. Tile App (Free) 

The Tile application is not only a handy app but is also a fantastic product which allows you to locate anything that you affix the tile (approx £20) to such as keys and valuables, what’s more if your stuff is lost or stolen as long as the tile is still with it you can ask other Tile users for help locating it!

5. Yale Home System (Free) 

To use this app you must have a Yale ‘Easy Fit Smartphone Alarm System’ installed in your home. This handy app allows users to control their Yale alarm from their smart phone.

Users are able to control the following remotely:

• Arm and disarm
• Activate accessories
• Show event reports
• View camera captures
• System programming

Protect your home from being hacked

Over the last few years technology has advanced to encompass applications that allow you to control every aspect of your home including the security such as the locks on your doors and windows, making homes literally smarter. Whilst this Smart Home technology may give you more control of your home in one simple application or device, it can also give hackers the key to your home and personal life.

Protect your home and your devices from being hacked with these handy tips:

1. Secure your WiFi

When you have your WiFi installed by your provider it is advisable to change the default login name and passwords and turn on WPA or WPA2 encryption (if you haven’t already done so it is worth doing this now). Instructions for your router may vary; so visit the manufacturer’s website to find out how.

2. Ensure the firmware for your router is up to date

Again this varies according to the make and model of your router. The manufacturer’s website will have information on the best practice for updating any firmware; some may even allow you to set an automatic update.

3. Register your new router

Register your router with the manufacturer, either online or via post so that you will be notified when a security update is available.

4. Install antivirus software

Any PCs, Macs, tablets or smart phones in your home should be protected using antivirus software. Some providers offer a multi-device package such as Norton’s ‘360 Multi-Device’ that will protect all the gadgets in your home.    

Although malware that targets smart phones and tablets is rare, it is still worth ensuring that you are protected if the worse was to happen. Browse through the top iPhone security apps or alternatively browse the top Android security apps to find one that suits your device.

Make sure that any antivirus software you do install is up to date.

5. Use strong passwords

The majority of devices can only be protected through a password which is why it is important to ensure that the one you are using is strong and secure.

Learn how to create a strong password with Google...

6. Secure the security inside your home

Whilst it is still very important to protect your online security it is also just as important to think beyond the internet and think about how you can protect your home. Cameras are a great way to protect your home but if they are operated via your WiFi or through an IP address it is definitely worth taking the above steps to ensure they are secure. By not ensuring these are secure you could be allowing a burglar to use your own security equipment to spy on you.

Remember any technology you use to secure your home can be hacked so make sure you take the necessary steps for not only your home security but also your peace of mind.

The Future of Home Security

Home Security is literally getting smarter!

As technology has advanced increasingly over the last few years we are seeing more and more advances in the way we can secure our homes from an intruder.

For years we have dreamed of the idea of a fully functional smart home, the idea has even been depicted in movies i.e. the technology depicted in Back to the Future II such as keyless entry. Although the movie may not have exactly predicted the future for us i.e. hover boards, you may be surprised by the kinds of technology that are available to homeowners in 2015, right now you can control your heating and lighting from your smart phone or even text your fridge.

According to Mashable: “Right now we're seeing a myriad of independent smart appliances, but eventually these products will be programmed to work in tandem ... hence, the "Smart Home." Yes, there are smart Samsung refrigerators, and yes, there are smart Sony televisions -- but can they, or will they ever, be able to communicate with each other? If and when they do, the adage "If these walls could talk" will take on a whole new meaning.”

Already we are seeing ‘smart locks’ that allow a homeowner to open their front door using just their smart phone. Some of which even allow the user to let in guests when they are not at home. The ‘August lock’ was launched by an American Company in 2014 and is a keyless entry system which uses Bluetooth.

As well as different types of keyless entry we are also seeing numerous home security apps being introduced to the market which allow you to control different parts of your home from either your phone or tablet. Although these sound great there are some reservations that have been raised by technology experts, in 2014 a study was carried out by HP to see whether these apps could be vulnerable to hackers. The security Company found that the biggest concern with these types of apps is the fact that the majority (8 out of 10) didn’t require consumers to use hard-to-hack log-ins which could leave their home vulnerable to being hacked.

To infinity and beyond!

In 2014 Apple announced that they are working to develop a product called ‘Homekit’ which will allow homeowners to control lights, locks, cameras, doors, thermostats, plugs and switches. Although this is still very much in development other manufacturers are already building products to encompass Apple’s ‘Homekit ‘.

Who knows what the future holds for our home security but we are sure it’s only going to get smarter!

Home Security and Home Insurance Requirements

When you take out a policy for your home with any insurer they will usually ask you to ensure that the security of your home meets their requirements.

Why is it important to meet my home insurance provider’s requirements?

When assessing your home security it is important to consider which steps you should take to ensure you are meeting the requirements set by your home insurance provider. This is important as failure to meet these terms and conditions could result in your home insurance policy being invalidated should the worse happen. 

The Crime Prevention Website gives the following as examples of the requirements the majority of home insurance providers will ask a policy holder to meet *:

*Please be aware the examples given may differ to your own policy, therefore before making any changes to the security of your home it is advised to check your current policy for any requirements set by the insurance provider.

Final exit door i.e. your front door – The majority of policies will require that your final exit door (i.e. the main external door you use to access your home such as your front door) should have the following fitted:

• Is fitted with a mortice deadlock with at least 5 levers; or is fitted with a lock conforming to BS3621: 1998 or to a higher specification.

• Additionally where a door is double-leaf, the first closing leaf must be fitted with top and bottom key-operated security bolts.  Bolts must be positioned vertically so as to enter the framework of the door, not the opposing leaf.

Single external doors (such as a porch door) – A single external door should be fitted with one of the following:

• Fitted with key-operated security bolts at the top and bottom.

• Fitted with a mortice deadlock with at least 5 levers.

• Fitted with a lock conforming to BS3621: 1998 or to a higher specification

French/Double doors – French or double doors should be fitted with two key operated security bolts at the top and bottom of the final closing door or, if not rebated, to both doors.  The bolts must be positioned vertically, so as to enter the top and bottom of the door frame, not the opposing leaf.

Sliding Patio Doors – In order to adhere to your home insurance policy, sliding patio doors should be fitted with an ‘anti-lift device’ such as the ERA Patio Door Bolts in order to prevent the doors from being lifted off their running tracks by an intruder when they are closed. They should also have either of the following fitted:

• Fitted with two key-operated patio door locks on the inside of the doors at the top and bottom of the frame.

• Fitted with a key-operated multiple locking system having at least two locking points.

Windows – All opening ground floor/basement windows and all windows that are accessible from another part of the exterior such as a roof, wall or balcony must have at least one key operated lock fitted. 

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. 

What are British Standards?

You may have noticed some products are branded with a certification known as the ‘Kitemark’ (pictured on the right), which is used to indicate certification by the British Standard Institution, but only where a Kitemark scheme has been set up around a particular standard. 

So what are British Standards?

“In essence, a standard is an agreed way of doing something. It could be about making a product, managing a process, delivering a service or supplying materials – standards can cover a huge range of activities undertaken by organizations and used by their customers.” (BSI Group)

British Standards in the locksmith industry...  

A British Standard is the minimum standard that a product such as a cylinder must be manufactured in accordance with before it is recognised by the relevant authorities as a quality product. 

For example Home Insurance providers will specify that all external wooden doors such as your front door are fitted with a British Standard deadlock. 

British Standard and Home Security

When assessing the security of your home you may want to consider upgrading your cylinder to one that protects you against the five most common methods of attack:

•       Drilling

•       Picking

•       Snapping

•       Bumping

•       Plug Extraction

The majority of cylinders with a kitemark such as ABS High Security cylinders will help to protect your door from these types of attack. 

The Door and Hardware Federation strongly advise that in order to effectively protect your home from any type of attack to update your cylinder to one that is to the TS007 Kitemark standard.

TS007:2012 – What is it?

TS007:2012 is a Technical Specification that has been produced in the form of a document by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Glass and Glazing Federation (CGF). The DHF and CGF worked closely alongside Secured by Design (the Association of Chief Police Officer’s crime prevention initiative) to develop the TS007 Kitemark standard. 

Meeting the TS007 standard...

The TS007 standard is characterised by a star rating and also uses a third party certification mark, typically the Kitemark. The star rating will also be imprinted on the cylinders and door furniture. It provides a mix and match approach with the ability to interchange cylinders and security hardware giving a flexible way to achieve the three star rating.

TS007 standard – How it works...