BS3621

Ipswich Locksmith Tips – When should I change a door lock?

A door that has the correct type of lock and is properly locked is a must in helping prevent burglars getting into your home or business. This is especially true in and around Ipswich where crime seems to be on the rise, it seems not a day goes by without a report of a burglary or break in on the Evening Star website. Replacing a door lock and being proactive about looking after the locks on your house or office entry points is a small price to pay to ensure they are working as they should be. Door locks that are up to date and work well without problems help prevent expensive call-outs from a locksmith and also add defence from intruders. Home or office security should be 100% reliable.

So I am going to run through when you should replace a lock and help you see what to look for.

Worn Locks

A work or corroded door lock is a weakness in how secure your home will be. Old, rusty or worn locks are easier to pick, especially on cars and they get harder to open with the correct key the worse the wear becomes. If you have a lock that has a loose key, jams when you try to unlock, appears corroded or you know it’s worn, it’s time to get it replaced. A worn or corroded lock is just waiting to go wrong and either leave you stuck outside or become an easy picking for a criminal.

Burglary

If you have suffered a burglary or a break in you should immediately see about getting your locks changed. This is a 100% must and I cannot impress on you hard enough how important this is. A break in compromises all of your security,

Home Security, Ipswich Locksmith

Don’t become a victim of crime

Paul Montgomery Locksmith

14th July 2014

No Comments

It is shocking to come home and find out you have been burgled, all your possessions broken or stolen and your personal space violated. It can take years to get over and some don’t get over it and decided to move. It is a horrible experience to go through. To help keep you safe Paul gives you some tips on how to avoid being burgled.

Change your Locks – When you move into a new house always have the locks changed. Even if it is not a new house and you have lived there a while get them changed anyway. Getting locks changed ensures you have the latest technology in security. If you get your keys stolen or you lose them whilst out, get your locks changed as soon as possible.
Get your keys registered – Buy high security locks which require that you register them. This means that only you can have them copied by providing adequate proof and identification. This is particularly important if you run a bed and breakfast, a company with many keyholders or a similar establishment.
Install an Alarm – Install a burglar alarm, even if its a fake box. Having some form of visual deterrent can mean the difference between being broken into or not. A burglar may choose to rob another premises without a burglar alarm
Have better locks than those next door – Having better locks than your neighbours can mean the burglar chooses to rob them instead of you. A burglar will always choose the house or premises that is easiest and quickest to get into. It might just save your life one day.
Security Lighting – If you have a house with a dark back garden install Security Lighting or Lights with PIR detection.

Home Security, Ipswich Locksmith

Are your locks insurance approved?

Paul Montgomery Locksmith

30th June 2014

No Comments

I am going to help you identify if your locks are insurance approved with this post.

Burglaries in Ipswich are a huge worry for most homeowners and businesses, with over 900 in the last year alone, but there are steps you can take to help keep your premises secure and stop the thieves getting in.

Make sure at least one lock on each of your external doors is kitemarked to BS3621:2007

Make sure your outside door locks have a Kitemark symbol on them, this is important. Without that kitemark if you are burgled your home insurance won’t be worth anything at all, as all policies will state that locks have to be of a certain standard. Insurance companies will do anything not to pay out.

Check that all your windows and patio doors have key operated locks fitted. These can be the hex key type but as long as they lock it is ok.

Minimise people being able to see into your home, keep the front door shut, use net curtains or blinds and don’t advertise all your expensive possessions. A great one I see all the time is when it gets dark and people show off the fact they have a huge widescreen TV system and Xbox, as you see it flashing through the net curtains. Close the curtains.

If your front door looks well maintained and it looks like it has a modern insurance approved lock fitted, burglars will be far less likely to try and break in. If you have a door that is on its last legs with rusty hinges and a lock that is clearly very old they will know its easy pickings. Thieves do not tend to target houses that are well maintained as they are harder to get into than an old council flat.