Less than 2 weeks to go until we take on the Glastonbury Bike Ride 2014!

It’s less than 2 weeks to go until the Keytek™ Cycle Team take part in the ‘Glastonbury Bike Ride’ on Sunday 21st September in aid of the British Heart Foundation, where they will take on the challenge of either a relatively steady 27 or a more demanding 48 mile cycle.

Over the last few months in the run up to the event the Team have been training hard and have completed many miles to ensure they are ready to tackle the impending challenge!

Those participating in last year’s ‘Glastonbury Bike Ride’ managed to raise an impressive £2,250 in sponsorship, beating their original target of £1,500. This year the Team will be looking to smash last year’s total by aiming to raise £2,500.

Please donate and support the Team!

The ‘British Heart Foundation’ funds research, education, care and awareness campaigns aimed at helping to prevent heart disease. All donations made will help to save lives whether it is through groundbreaking research, helping to provide vital information to help keep hearts healthy or helping to support and care for heart patients and their families.

Just £50 can help to fund vital lab work - Researchers regularly need to measure the levels of specific biological factors in tissue or blood samples. One assay kit, to measure the level of a specific factor in a series of samples costs at least £50.

To donate visit the Keytek™ Just Giving page... www.justgiving.com/Keytek-bike-ride/ and click ‘Donate’! Alternatively text ‘KEYB70’ and your donation amount to 70070. 

Locked out? Don’t call your emergency services, call a local locksmith!

Locked out of your home? Who would you call your local fire brigade or your local locksmith?

 

The London Fire Brigade reported that from 2009 – 2012 they had been called out to nearly 22,000 incidents (approximately 20 a day) which would have required a locksmith. These incidents ranged from people trapped in cemeteries to people trapped in toilets.

These call outs are estimated to cost taxpayers more than 5 million.

During 2009 – 2011 the brigade were called to the following incidents:

• 2,287 incidents where people were locked in

• 1,613 incidents where people were locked out

• 1,409 incidents involving babies or children being locked in cars or homes

• 276 adults and 176 children locked in toilets

• 12 people locked in cemeteries

• 14 people locked in cupboards

• a woman stuck in a fridge and a man shut in a freezer

• a person locked in the luggage area of a coach

• a person locked in a crematorium with a child

• a person stuck in a recycling bin

Fire brigades and other emergency services across the UK are looking to reduce these types of callouts; the majority of emergency services have advised an emergency locksmith should be called to these types of incidents unless someone’s life is at risk.

So if you find yourself locked out of your home or locked in please remember to call your local locksmith rather than the emergency services!

We highly recommend saving the number of your local locksmith into your mobile phone in preparation should the worse happen.  Find your nearest locksmith’s number by visiting www.keytek.co.uk and entering your town or postcode in the search bar and click find. 

 Usually a local locksmith will be able to get to a property in response to an emergency situation such as being locked out within an hour. The majority of locksmiths will also put you at ease by offering to give a courtesy ten minute warning call.   

• It is advisable to ask the following questions when calling a locksmith:

• Does the locksmith carry any form of ID?

• Are they DBS checked (formally CRB)?

• Have they been assessed and accredited by industry experts?

• Does the locksmith have any form of accreditation?  

• Do any parts that are replaced come with a guarantee?        

• Do parts supplied by the locksmith meet your home insurance provider’s requirements?

Top ten tips for when you're locked out

Locked out of house, business or car?

We all know that being locked out can be a stressful time for anyone which is why we have put together the following tips for when you do find yourself locked of your house, business or car.

1. Stay calm! The worst thing you can do is panic and stress yourself out when you’re locked out.
 
2. Where are the keys? Do you leave a spare key with a neighbour or relative? By leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbour or family member you will be saving yourself from being locked out of your home if you did loose or misplace your set of keys. It is still recommended that you contact a local locksmith to change your locks as you don’t know who may have picked up the set you have lost or misplaced.
 
3. Do not fiddle with the lock. This may cause damage to the lock making it more difficult for it to be opened.  
 
4. Don’t call your local emergency services, call an emergency locksmith instead! It was reported in 2012 that fire-fighters in London were being called out nearly every hour (approximately 20 a day) to rescue people who were either locked out of their home or car which is estimated to cost taxpayers more than 5 million pounds. (BBC News) 
 
5. Call a local locksmith. When calling a local locksmith always make sure that you are calling a credible and trustworthy accredited locksmith. All credible locksmiths will carry ID on them so make sure you always ask to see it before you invite them to gain entry to your home!
 
6. Check that any local locksmith coming to your home is DBS checked (formally CRB checked). Any locksmith who has been DBS checked will be more than happy to inform you that they have been.
 
7. Make sure any locks you do have changed by an emergency locksmith are to a British Standard. This is important especially in terms of meeting the requirements set by your Home Insurance Provider.
 
8. Don’t shout about it on any type of social media. It may be tempting to share your latest lockout #fail but remember anyone can see it and shows that you and your property are potentially vulnerable!
 
9. If you have lost or misplaced a set of keys make sure you replace all of the locks that relate to the keys you have lost. This could be your garage lock or a shed. Also make sure you notify anyone who you had a spare key for i.e. a neighbour or work that you have lost or misplaced them so that they can get their locks changed.
 
10. Do not try to cut costs by breaking into your own home! You may cause harm to yourself or damage to your property by doing so.  

Watch our video on the 'Top Ten Tips for When You're Locked Out'...

Beach Hut Security

Keep your beach hut safe with our beach hut security advice and tips!

Beach huts have been part of the history of the British Seaside since Victorian times. In more recent times they have become increasingly popular with more and more Brits choosing to staycation over going abroad.

It is estimated there are around 20,000 beach huts in the UK. Beach huts are prominent at the majority of seaside resorts in the UK; including Bournemouth, Poole, Mudeford Spit, West Bexington, Lowestoft, Southwold, Walton-on-the-Naze, Abersoch, Langland Bay, Rotherslade, Rustington, St Helens, Isle of Wight, Cornwall, Brighton and Mersea Island. Beach huts are also used in other countries such as South Africa, France and Australia.

 

Beach hut security tips and advice...

• Look after your beach hut - If your beach hut looks like it is not being used it is far more likely to suffer from criminal damage or antisocial behaviour. For the sake of you and your neighbours local councils ask that you keep your beach hut tidy and in good repair. According to Canterbury Police poorly maintained beach huts are more likely to attract even more damage which may include vandalism to neighbouring beach huts.

• Keep an eye on your beach hut - Make sure to check your beach hut regularly during both the summer and winter months. If you’re not around ask a neighbouring beach hut owner to keep an eye on yours. If you see anything suspicious report it immediately to your local Police Force as early detection and warning may assist them in identifying offenders.

• Never leave any valuables in your beach hut overnight - The majority of beach huts are not secure enough to leave any resalable property in. Remember to remove any combustibles that are an obvious fire hazard.    

• Make sure your beach hut is secure as it possibly can be and pay particular attention to the windows and doors - A door which can be easily opened will attract unwanted attention from a potential intruder.

• Fit a battery powered alarm - Many security alarms rely on a main electricity supply and a telephone line to be effective therefore these types of alarms would not be appropriate for a beach hut. It is possible to have a battery powered alarm fitted to your shed; these devices rely on putting an intruder off because of the noise and can attract attention from passersby. 

 

Watch Keytek™’s Security Tips videos for more information on security for sheds, outbuildings and beach huts... 

Follow Keytek™ on Facebook and Twitter for all of our up to date daily security tips, news and advice.

Beach Security Tips

Keep your valuables safe on the beach!

 

Whether you are sunning yourself on the beach in the UK or abroad it is important to make sure your belongings are secure!

Thefts at beaches, often referred to as ‘beach blanket thefts’ or ‘blanket thefts’, usually increase during the summer holidays where people are more likely to leave their wallets, mobile phones, cameras or other valuables on the beach while they take a dip in the sea. The majority of people will hide valuables under a towel which they may presume is secure but unfortunately within minutes of leaving their valuables they are often gone. 

One of the most obvious solutions to prevent beach thefts is to go to the beach with at least one other person so that someone can keep an eye on any valuables whilst the other is enjoying the sea. Although this is a logical solution it is not always the most practical or fun ways to ensure your valuables are secure.

Beach security tips and advice...

• Take only what you need to take! If you don’t need to take your phone or wallet then don’t take them. The fewer valuables the less you will have to worry that they are secure.

• Plan ahead. Pack a security product that has been designed for the beach... There are a number of products that have been developed to prevent beach thefts.

They include the following products:

Tan Safe – This has been developed to work as a ‘stealth safe’ as it looks like an ordinary bottle of suntan lotion but secretly it holds valuables such as mobile phones, credit cards, keys and cash. This product also has a watertight seal that will protect it from being damaged by water or sand.

Beach Vault – An entrepreneur has recently invented a unique locker that can screw into the sand and holds valuables such as purses, mobile phones, small tablets and money. The gadget is closed by a waterproof lid. Although an innovative idea there is nothing to stop a thief from taking the whole thing.

Portable Compact Safe – Sentry have designed a portable compact safe that is ideal for use on the beach or by the pool as it can be attached to a lounger or parasol via a security cable.

• All gadgets should be protected against any possible damage from water or sand. You can do this by putting your valuables in a waterproof wallet.

• You don’t need to spend money on security products for the beach, you can use items found around the house such as nappies, a deodorant stick (do not use any type of deodorant can) and Pringle pots to make your own ‘beach safe’. Let’s just face it no one is going to go through a nappy that could be dirty to look for valuables. YouTube channel ‘NoClueHowTo’ demonstrates how a deodorant bottle can be used to keep your valuables safe at the beach.

Click here to read more of our Security tips...

The Festival Goer's Guide to Security

Over the years festivals have increased in popularity, when Glastonbury first opened in 1970 just 1,500 people attended and in more recent years there are around 150,000 people attending Glastonbury each year (KGBAnswers). According to the Female First festival goers will spend more than £1,600 a year attending summer music events. On average festival goers will spend an average of £450.18 on tickets and an estimated £203.97 whilst at the music festival on food and drink.  

 

With the popularity of festivals increasing over the years this has also seen an increase in the risk of crimes such as theft...  

According to the Telegraph one in seven festival goers have been a victim of theft, summer 2010 saw an estimated £190,000 worth of possessions stolen from UK festival goers with a reported 945 reported incidents at seven of the UK’s biggest festivals. The average unattended tent will contain valuables such mobile phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, designer clothing and shoes which total an average of £928.    

Here are some tips and advice about keeping your valuables safe and secure at a festival... 

 

• Try to take only the essentials with you! The fewer valuables you bring the less likely you are to be a victim of theft.

• If you do decide to bring any expensive items register them for free, then if it is stolen and recovered it can be returned. Visit www.immobilise.com to register your property.

• Do not leave any valuables in your car.

• If you have used a sat nav remove any suction marks on the windscreen.

• Don’t bring large amounts of money/expensive jewellery, watches, neck chains etc. or any costume jewellery that appears to be of value.

• If you do bring valuables don’t leave them in your tent or car – put them in the on-site lockers. These can usually be booked in advance and are open 24 hours a day.

• Mark any valuables with your details. You can do this with a UV pen.

• Insurance provider Aviva advise extending your home and contents insurance to include personal belongings cover otherwise you may end up facing a bill of replacing lost or stolen items.

For more comprehensive security tips visit our dedicated security tips page.

 

Summertime Home Security

We’ve all been enjoying the return of the glorious hot weather this week! According to The Guardian the hot weather is set to continue and warm weather is expected for events such as Glastonbury and Wimbledon.

Don’t let your home security lapse this summer!

Unfortunately the exceptionally high 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 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.   

Watch our Home Security tips video below to find out more about keeping your home secure this summer...

 

Useful links - Locked Out? Lost Keys? Burgled? Locks Changed?