Locksmith work available and working with Keytek

Staying Secure Online

Protect your online privacy 

Passwords

Passwords are your first defence against hackers; therefore it is important to ensure that you use what is considered a strong password as poor passwords can leave people and businesses vulnerable to online crime such as identity theft, fraud and extortion.

Creating a strong password

• Use upper and lower case letters
• Use three words or more
• Include a symbol
• Include numbers

Look around and pick three random words such as ‘pen’, ‘cactus’ and ‘chair’. Put these words together and swap some of the letters for numbers and symbols like this: p3nCac+u5cha!r. The longer the password the harder it would be for someone to crack!

What to avoid...

When creating a password you should avoid using the following:

• Pet’s name
• Other family members’ name
• Current partner’s name
• Child’s name
• Something related to your favourite sports team
• Date of birth
• Favourite holiday
• Significant dates
• Place of birth
• Number sequences

Use Social Media safely

Social Media is a fun way of staying in touch with your friends and family especially those who live far away and is an easy way of sharing what you are up to. However this information can be used by criminals to commit online crimes such as identity theft or hacking. Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Instagram or a blog, you need to be sure what you are posting isn’t going to increase the risk to your online safety.

Tips to using social media safely

• Make sure you know exactly what you’re sharing and who you’re sharing it with. Check your privacy settings.

• Don’t share any holiday plans or details of your current location online. This information could be used by a burglar to pinpoint when you won’t be at home.

• Don’t upload photos of items of high value on any type of open forum such as birthday or Christmas presents. A burglar could use this information as their shopping list.

Spotting common internet scams...

 

The internet is a wealth of information, products and services which the majority of us will access without issue, although there are criminals who take advantage of this and will use online anonymity to deceive internet users and steal if there is an opportunity.

Phishing 

 

“Phishing scams are when fraudsters send malicious fake emails, social network posts and texts to tempt you in or try to gain your trust to take your sensitive information and/or money.” (Cyber Streetwise)

Advice: If something seems too good to be true, then it usually is! So if you are in doubt about an email or online deal, delete it!

More information about phishing and other related scams can be found on the Action Fraud website.

Hacking

 

“Cyber criminals will try to hack your computer/tablet/smartphone to gain access to your systems and sensitive information in order to commit fraud and other crimes.” (Cyber Streetwise)

Advice:

• Always use strong passwords.
• Install antivirus software on all devices.
• Use firewalls at home and your business.

All information used in this blog has been sourced from Cyber Streetwise. For further information visit www.cyberstreetwise.com

Locks of Love

You may have noticed the ‘love lock’ trend on a bridge of some kind near you; couples attach a ‘love lock’ or ‘love padlock’ to a gate, bridge or anything to symbolise the love and commitment shared between them. 

The trend is said to have originated in the early 2000s in Rome, Italy by teenagers imitating a popular Italian book and film.

As it is Valentine’s Day, here are our top 10 places to leave a love lock or padlock.  

1. Tower Bridge, London, UK 
2. Ponte Milvio Bridge, Rome, Italy 
3. Pont de l’Archevêché Bridge and the Pont des Arts Bridge, Paris, France 
4. Huangshan, China 
5. Pécs, Hungary 
6. Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne, Germany 
7. Luzhkov Bridge, Moscow
8. Puntan dos Amantes, Guam 
9. Mala Strana, Prague, Czech Republic 
10. Montevideo, Uruguay

For more information regarding ‘love lock’ locations visit ‘Unique Honeymoon Ideas’.

Can’t make it to any of the listed locations then why not leave a virtual love lock – No travel necessary!

Top ten Valentines’ gifts for a locksmith or lock enthusiast

We have put together a list of top ten Valentines’ gifts that you may want to give as a romantic gesture to your locksmith or lock enthusiast.  

1. Majestic Lock Pick Set
   
2. Silver key cufflinks
3. Yale Novelty Heart Luggage Digit Combination Lock
4. Vintage tie pin in the shape of a key
5. Wine lock bottle stopper
6. I love my locksmith t-shirt  
7. Keep calm I’m a locksmith travel mug
8. Heart Key Head cover
9. Kiss me, I’m a locksmith mug
10. Heart Key Blank

No ID? No way!

Research conducted by the NICEIC suggests that more than a third of homeowners in the UK do not check for ID when letting a tradesman inside their home.

Remember to always check a tradesman’s ID!

Sometimes intruders will pretend to be a tradesman in order to gain entry to your home, this is referred to as distraction burglary. Although these type of burglaries are not as common as other types of crime, it is still important to take the necessary precautions to ensure you are not a victim of this type of crime. In some cases this may be a rogue trader or cowboy builder who may cause damage to your property as they often lack in skill and expertise to carry out the work they are selling to you.

Keep yourself safe! 

If you’re ever unsure of who is at your door, don’t open it! Always ask for ID and check the identity of the caller by calling the Company they are from, whether it is a locksmith, electrician or plumber, the majority of authentic tradesmen will carry an ID badge. To verify a tradesman’s identity only use a number listed in your local directory or one supplied independently by your service provider. Never use a number provided by the caller as it may be bogus!

If you have taken these precautions and still suspect the caller is bogus call 999

CRB Checked Local Locksmiths 

Are our local locksmiths CRB checked?

All of our local locksmiths across the UK are CRB checked or as it is now known as, DBS checked. As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety of our customers we perform a CRB check (DBS check on all locksmiths who are in the process of joining our Engineer Network. This we feel helps to reassure our customers that whatever locksmith service they require they can be confident that they are using a locksmith that is both trustworthy and reliable.

Cylinder Snapping

Did you know that there are approximately 22 million doors across the UK that could be at risk to lock snapping?

So what is lock snapping?

“Lock snapping involves snapping the lock cylinder in two, by applying force, and removing the outside part to expose the lock mechanism. Doing so provides access to the mechanism, allowing the door to be unlocked.” (Yale)

In order to snap a lock an intruder will often use makeshift tools that can be easily found around the house. Worryingly this technique doesn’t require experience or skill, just brute force.  

Euro profile locks (better known as Euro Cylinders) are found in the majority of uPVC doors and are the most likely targets for this type of forced entry. 

What can I do to prevent being a victim of lock snapping?

In order to combat lock snapping simply call a local locksmith to upgrade your cylinder to one that is specifically designed to prevent this method of attack, ideally a cylinder that meets the TS007 3 star standard. If possible when having your lock upgraded have your new cylinder fitted in conjunction with a high security mechanism and handle set. 

Keeping you secure with ABS High Security Euro Cylinders...

All of our local locksmiths are able to supply and fit an ABS High Security Euro Cylinder, to ensure your uPVC or double glazed doors are not only meeting your home insurance requirements but are also ultimately secured for your peace of mind when it comes to your home security. The ABS High Security Euro Cylinder is the only security cylinder currently on the market which has a TS007 3 star rating, SS312 Sold Secure Diamond Accredited and Secured by Design Accreditation combined.

Speak to one of the Keytek™ Team today on 0800 035 0451 to find out more about having your cylinder upgraded to the 3 star versions.

Locksmith Jargon Buster

Calling an emergency locksmith in any situation can be a stressful time and can often lead to confusion, especially if you don’t understand what the local locksmith is trying to explain!

Whether you are locked out of your home or require your locks to be upgraded, when calling a local locksmith you want to be sure that you understand any industry specific/technical jargon used by the locksmith in order to avoid any miscommunication.  

Generally when booking a locksmith you will be asked a few questions about the door and the lock itself and whether your situation requires an emergency locksmith or not.

In order to help you fully understand the terms that are often used by a local locksmith we have put together the following locksmith jargon buster, which can be downloaded by clicking the image below...

Download our locksmith jargon buster by clicking the image above to ensure you fully understand the terms used by a local locksmith so that when you do require an Engineer you will be confident that you understand exactly what is being done onsite.

Download the Keytek™ Locksmith Jargon Buster by clicking the image below... - See more at: http://www.keytek.co.uk/locksmith-jargon-buster/?fdPMVersionId=13216#sthash.DZ3mJ2D8.dpufDo

Download the Keytek™ Locksmith Jargon Buster by clicking the image below... - See more at: http://www.keytek.co.uk/locksmith-jargon-buster/?fdPMVersionId=13216#sthash.DZ3mJ2D8.dpuf

A full breakdown of the locksmith jargon buster can be found below:

Wooden Doors:

Back Plate - A plate that fits directly to the door to provide a solid fastening for the hardware to be fitted to.

Bolt/Deadbolt  - A solid piece of metal that protrudes from the Forend of the lock into a ‘keep’ fitted on the frame.

British Standard/BS3621 - The BS3621 signifies that a lock has been tested by the British Standards Institute and has met all of the relevant standards. It is widely recognised by the public and the majority of UK insurers as a sign of quality.

Cam Lock - A cylinder type lock that operates a tail to engage with the locking mechanism. Commonly fitted to furniture or basic safes.

Closed Shackle Padlock - A padlock which has been manufactured with the shackle (the locking ‘loop’) largely encased within the main body.

Combination/digital locks - A keyless lock that uses a chosen combination of numbers or letters to be input before it releases.

Cylinder - The key operated part of most locking systems. Available in many formats for example; Euro profile, Rim type, Oval.

Door viewer - A device that allows the person inside of a property to view the person on the outside of the property through the door.

Double Locking - A function that offers an extra locking facility on top of the standard operation.

Escutcheon - The plate or guard normally fixed over the keyway of a lock to protect it from the elements and offer an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Face Plate - A plate fitted to the front profile of the lock to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish and information about the lock behind it.

Furniture - Any hardware fitted to a door other than the lock itself, for example handles or a door knocker.

Hinge Bolts - Small round lugs that are drilled into the spine of a door and engage into keeps in the frame when the door is closed. Designed to prevent a door being lifted from its hinges and removed unless open.

Hook Bolts - Similar in principal to dead bolts, although for added security hook bolts pivot out of the case and swing up or down into the frame.

Latch - Usually found used in conjunction with a number of other locking points (such as deadbolts).

Master Key - A key that is designed to be able to open more than one lock.

Mortice Lock - A lock that is fitted within a pocket cut into the door. When the door is closed the only visible parts are the keyways from both sides of the door.

Night Latch - A lock operated by a rim style cylinder. The lock is fitted to the back of the door and is operable by use of a handle from the inside. Available in many different sizes and security ratings.

Rim Cylinder - A cylinder used to operate a Nightlatch. 

Sash Lock - Most commonly a mortice style lock that also utilises a latch operated by a handle.

Shackle - The metal ‘loop’ at the top of the Padlock that fits through the eye of a hasp.

Shoot Bolt - A bolt designed to bridge the gap between the door and the frame, widely used as extra security.

Spindle - A square bar that runs between two handles, passing through the lock body itself to allow the latch to be retracted when a handle is operated.

Snib - The small button or sliding button fitted most commonly to night latches to allow the latch to be held in position.

Suite (Locks) - More than one lock manufactured in sequence or to a specific non-random pattern.

Thumb Turn - A knob fitted to the inside of a euro profile cylinder in place of the internal Key way to allow easy or quick egress.

uPVC Doors: 

 

British Standard/BS3621 - The BS3621 signifies that a lock has been tested by the British Standards Institute and has met all of the relevant standards. It is widely recognised by the public and the majority of UK insurers as a sign of quality.

Cylinder - The key operated part of most locking systems. Available in many formats, Euro profile, Rim type, Oval.

Anti Snap Cylinder - A cylinder specifically designed to help prevent cylinder or lock snapping. The ABS High Security Euro Cylinder is the only security cylinder currently on the market which has a TS007 3 star rating, SS312 Sold Secure Diamond Accredited and Secured by Design Accreditation combined. 

Deadbolt - A solid bolt that protrudes from the Forend of the lock into the ‘Keep’ fitted on the door frame.

Double Locking - A function that offers an extra locking facility on top of the standard operation.

Furniture - Any hardware fitted to a door other than the lock itself. Handles, door knocker etc.

Hook Bolts - Similar in principal to dead bolts, although for added security hook bolts pivot out of the case and swing up or down into the frame.

Latch - Usually found used in conjunction with a number of other locking points (such as deadbolts).

Spindle - A square bar that runs between two handles, passing through the lock body itself to allow the latch to be retracted when a handle is operated.

Thumb Turn - A euro profile cylinder in place of the internal Key way to allow easy or quick egress.

Hinge Bolts - Small round lugs that are drill into the spine of a door and engage into keeps in the frame when the door is closed. Designed to prevent a door being lifted from its hinges and removed unless open.

Suite (Locks) - More than one lock manufactured in sequence or to a specific non-random pattern.

Master Key - A key that is designed to be able to open more than one lock.

 

 

Additional Security:

 

British Standard/BS3621 - The BS3621 signifies that a lock has been tested by the British Standards Institute and has met all of the relevant standards. It is widely recognised by the public and the majority of UK insurers as a sign of quality.

Closed Shackle Padlock - A padlock which has been manufactured with the shackle (the locking ‘loop’) largely encased within the main body.

Door viewer - A device that allows the person inside of a property to view the person on the outside of the property through the door.

Shoot Bolt - A bolt designed to bridge the gap between the door and the frame, widely used as extra security.

Sash Jammer - A small piece of metal with a pivoting arm that bridges the gap between the frame and sash of a door or window. This is fitted to help prevent doors/windows from being jimmied open.

Door Chains and limiters - A small chain that is attached to the door frame which attaches to a track on the door to prevent any unwanted visitors from entering a house after the door has been opened.

Key Safe - A strong mechanical box usually with a digital pad that is fitted externally to a home which is used to secure keys for an external door.     

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