Month: September 2015

Security Specialist Locksmith Guelph Takes Us Through a Locksmith’s Day

In the broadest sense, locksmiths are people whose trade is principally concerned with the installation, maintenance and repair of access prevention hardware. This hardware may be of the traditional, mechanical sort such as deadbolts, master key systems and car locks or it may be electronic equipment such as CCTV systems, biometric access control devices and electronic locking hardware. The Tecnichian’s at Locksmith Guelph have mastered both traditional and advanced security systems.

Locksmiths incorporate the skills of a carpenter, mechanic, machinist and security expert during the course of their work. There is a subset of locksmith skills that has always garnered a great deal of interest from the public at large: defeating locks! Locksmiths study how various locking devices work and, through that study, they learn how to defeat those locking mechanisms. These are the most closely-guarded trade secrets among locksmiths. The knowledge possessed by even apprentice locksmiths is enough to defeat most common security measures. For this reason, locksmiths are typically rigorously screened by their mentors before they’re offered an apprenticeship.

Locksmiths are somewhat defined by the clients for whom they work. Their specific skills, depending on their market, can vary greatly. Those locksmiths who specialize in residential service often spend a great deal of their time outfitting new construction with locking hardware and repairing and replacing aged and broken systems. Most residential locksmiths also offer at least some light automotive locksmithing services including cutting new keys and opening locked doors.

Commercial locksmith provide their skills principally to corporate and government clients. Today’s commercial locksmiths are oftentimes trained and experienced in dealing with sophisticated electronic equipment. Those who specialize in electronic security are often employed maintaining large facilities where security is a great concern.

Among the most respected of locksmiths are those who work on safes. The locksmithing skills required working with safes and vaults take many years of study to master. These locksmiths are often called in when a safe, for some reason, is rendered unable to open. These individuals with skilled trades, given enough time, are able to open most any device without damaging the contents. Sometimes, they’re able to “crack” a safe without damaging the locking mechanism, as well. This skill doesn’t at all resemble the way it’s portrayed in films. Mastering the art of safe cracking requires knowledge of many different safes, metallurgy, the operation of very powerful and complex drilling equipment, electronic devices and much more.

Many locksmiths are self-employed and lead a very independent existence. Because the skill is so specialized, there are few opportunities for “staff” locksmiths. These independent locksmiths often work odd hours, opening doors in the middle of the night for stranded homeowners and drivers, as well as installing security systems during the hours when buildings are being used the least.

Locksmiths are required to obtain different types of licensing, depending on where they work. Locksmiths are also traditionally “bonded” which is a legal means of assuring their trustworthiness to their clients. Traditionally, locksmiths undergo an apprenticeship though many have received training through an employer or by attending a school specific to the trade.

Although a locksmith’s job seems very exciting and appealing to most people, there is a lot of skill, education, and experience involved.

More Than Just Locks – Locksmith Newmarket Has a Full Range of Security Services

Homeowners can rely on a professional locksmithing company at any time they accidentally lock themselves out of their homes or if they lose their house keys. In addition to unlocking doors and replacing keys, a professional locksmith should be able to install new door locks and deadbolts, fix locks, install high-security door locks, and install and make operational a new closed-circuit alarm system. Locksmith Newmarket does it all!

Lock-Outs
Homeowners are preoccupied with an overwhelming list of things to remember and complete. Remembering the house keys sitting on the kitchen counter can fall far down the list. When the homeowner realizes that she is locked out of her home, she wants to get in quickly.

A professional locksmith service knows this and it works to respond fast to emergency calls. When the locksmith gets to the homeowner’s house, he needs to be able to unlock the door quickly so the homeowner can get into the house.

Replacing Lost House Keys
House keys are easy to lose, whether at home, work or shopping. Homeowners who get home and realize they don’t have their keys need to get a locksmith to their homes so they can have a new set of keys cut, allowing them to get back inside.

A professional locksmithing company knows this and will provide training to its locksmiths. In addition to the training, locksmiths will be provided with the necessary equipment to make those new keys.

Lock Installation
Locks and keys fail. When a homeowner can’t get into her house because either the lock tumblers or the key no longer work, she will call a locksmith. After he tests the key in the lock, the locksmith will diagnose a locking system that has worn out. When this happens, he has to remove the old door locks and deadbolts, then replace them with new door locks. Because she wants only one set of keys, the locksmith may have to install more than one set of locks.

Lock Repair
Accidents happen, causing damage to door locks. When the damage can be repaired, a locksmith will come to the home and make the needed repairs. In some cases, the door lock has been damaged by a curious child wanting to experiment.

Closed-Circuit Alarm Systems
When a residence has been broken into and robbed, the family understandably wants to know that their home is secure, whether they are there or away. The only way to ensure this is to request that a qualified, professional locksmith company comes in and installs a closed-circuit alarm system.

This alarm system may be one of several new security measures, such as motion-activated lights, security cameras and sturdy screen doors with deadbolt locks.

Depending upon what security measures the family chooses, the locksmith can come to their home and help them by installing the closed circuit alarm system. Once it has been installed, he uses his knowledge of the system to show them how to operate it.

A professional  residential locksmith company can provide a full menu of services to residential homeowners, including increasing personal security.

Don’t Wait Until It Is Too Late – Door Repair Toronto

Door replacement or door repair Toronto? It is not something that many homeowners think of doing unless it is absolutely needed, but if you recently purchased a home or are looking to improve the one you already down, changing out one or more can have a number of benefits.

Of course door replacement becomes necessary if one of your home’s entrances becomes damaged during a home invasion or other similar type of incident, or if it is broken through other various means, including the weather. If any of these incidents occur, it is vitally important to replace the damaged doors immediately to prevent potential issues with safety and climate control.

At the same time, even homes with perfectly fine doors that are not broken can also use a door replacement for one reason or another. In these cases, the existing doors may look and feel perfectly functional, but in reality they may be outdated and able to be improved upon.

So why should someone with seemingly fine doors consider replacing them complete in favour of newer, more expensive models? For a number of various reasons that may appeal to various individuals.

First and foremost is safety. When it comes to exterior entrances, all doors should have a solid core, meaning they are not hollow in the middle and are made completely of the type of material they are constructed of, such as wood or metal. While those with solid cores are safe and sturdy even when they are older and have endured years of abuse, those made in recent years are safer and sturdier than ever before. Whether it is new composite materials used to construct them or an even stronger type of wood, upgrading to a brand new model or models can make your dwelling safer than it previously was.

Improving the look of your home is also always a good investment, and door replacement can help you accomplish this as well. Today’s models are made in more different styles and types and out of a greater variety of various materials than ever before. This allows manufacturers to combine visual appeal and safety more effectively than ever before, making it possible to have the model you want to best compliment your house’s looks without sacrificing the safety that comes with a more basic solid-core model.

Finally, getting a better fit through door replacement may be more necessary than you realize. Because homes shift over time, some of your entrance ways may have shifted in size and shape over time as well. If this happens to a significant degree then it is time to have your foundation examined because something may be seriously wrong. Otherwise, having new doors hung can help you correct those old ones that always stuck or didn’t quite close all of the way because of the changing nature of the doorway in which they were hung.

Locksmith Etobicoke – 24 Hr Professional Emergency Service

Isn’t it always the way that life’s little problems always seem to come at the most inopportune times? Henry Kissinger put it best, telling his aide ‘There cannot be a stressful crisis next week, my schedule is already full’.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to see these things coming. We can’t ever fully prevent problems and issues from arising, but we can do as much as possible to minimise the upheaval they produce.

One thing that can happen to any of us at almost any time is getting locked out of your home or car. It’s very common, simply because there are so many ways it can happen. Keys are easily misplaced, lost or stolen, and anyone who has experienced this predicament will tell you it always happens at the worst possible time.

In this situation, you will need someone to help you get back inside, and this is where the emergency locksmith comes in.

Good emergency locksmiths understand the needs of their customers, who want to get back into their home or car as quickly as possible with the least possible damage to their locks. A highly trained, experienced locksmith will always practise non-destructive lock-picking methods as far as possible, but will also know when to apply more forceful techniques in order to save the customer time and money. This is where Locksmith Etobicoke excels!

When selecting a locksmith, it is strongly recommended that you use a nationally recognised company.

When you use a nationally recognised locksmith service, you are buying security. There are always plenty of locksmiths out there, but when it’s just a name in a phonebook, how do you know what their background is, and what experience and training they’ve had?

Using a national locksmith service means you buy into all the values and standards of that company. Their locksmiths will have been carefully selected and vetted, and trained to the highest possible standards. When it comes to your family home, it’s simply not worth taking any chances.

Another advantage of using national locksmith companies is that they have a network of emergency locksmiths across Canada , so wherever you are they can always dispatch someone who will aim to be with you within the hour. When you’re locked out of your home, there’s no greater relief than seeing a locksmith arriving promptly with their box of tools and knowing exactly what needs to be done to rectify your unfortunate predicament.

The best locksmith firms also understand that demand for emergency locksmith services is not restricted to normal business hours, so they operate around the clock twenty four hours a day. It doesn’t matter if you need to call them in the middle of the night, you will still find a reassuring and helpful voice on the end of the line.

Hopefully you will find this article helpful if you ever have the misfortune to require an emergency locksmith. You may want to do a little research now and find an emergency locksmith service that you trust, and you can then save their number in your phone should you ever need. After all, it never hurts to be prepared!

Looking For the Right Locksmith – Locksmith Brampton

When most people think of a locksmith, they imagine a person who can only make and repair locks since most people consider the art to be old fashioned. What they don’t seem to consider is that modern locks are vastly different form the ones people were using just a few decades back. And as locks evolved, so did the locksmith. To work with the current generation of high tech locks, locksmiths such ourselves have widened our scope of work including the tools that we carry. At ITCC Locksmiths, we have a team of the best locksmiths in the city of Brampton who are equipped with the latest tools that they need to carry out they jobs quickly and efficiently.

Another misconception that many people have with locksmith services is that they do not realise that there are different type of locksmiths depending on the type of job that one has at hand.

Residential Locksmith

A residential locksmith is the most common form of locksmith as well as the most sought after. After all, the most common need of a locksmith is when one forgets or loses his or her keys. More often than not, it is the people who live in apartments, private homes and condos who call us up when they want to update the security of their homes. They want to modify the locking system of the main door of their house and want a bunch of keys for each member of the house. Out locksmiths also help owners with advice about which type of locking system that will best suit their homes.

Auto Locksmith

An auto locksmith is one of the many locksmith services that we provide. They specialise in unlocking car doors and are hence, a godsend to people who have lost their keys or locked themselves out of their cars. They best thing about getting in touch with us rather than try and lock the car on your own is that neither the lock of car, nor the window is compromised in any way. Our locksmiths have a set of specialised tools that they use to unlock a car door without damaging the car in anyway.

Emergency Locksmith

Emergency locksmiths are services that are available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. They are always ready to help you out regardless of the time of day. They are most commonly called by people who are a victim of a burglary and require a new lock quickly as their original one was broken by the burglars.

The biggest advantage you get when you contact Locksmith Brampton, you can be sure that you will get the right locksmith in the city of Brampton.

Save Money and Keep Your Home Safe With Professional Appliance Repair Vaughan

Broken appliances are a reality of life. No matter how well we care for our refrigerator, washer or dryer, they will break down at some point. However, throwing out a broken appliance is not always the best option.

Appliance Repair Vaughan is a cost-effective, environmentally responsible alternative to replacing a broken home appliance. By employing experts to repair an existing machine, you save the money you would have spent on a new one. You also have the peace of mind of knowing that your appliance is safe and working properly.

See the Savings with Appliance Repair
Any homeowner who has purchased an appliance knows that they are expensive! Even though appliance repair may seem costly, it is a clear winner when compared to the price of getting a new appliance. Appliance repair companies have the expertise to repair a whole range of home appliances including:

Dryers
Washing machines
Garbage disposals
Dishwashers
Microwaves
Hood vents
Cooktops
Double ovens
Built-in ovens

Many companies will even offer free estimates for their repair services. When you need a dryer repair, for example, you’ll be able to know in advance how much money you will be spending – and how much you will be saving!

Safety First
Although it is tempting to either make do with an appliance that doesn’t quite work, or to try to repair it on your own, you can actually make a bad situation worse by doing so. If an malfunctioning appliance is not taken care of, you risk incurring further damage and causing even more disruption to your life. In some cases, it may even create an unsafe situation in your home. If you need an oven repair, for example, not getting one may lead to a fire hazard or gas leak. Trying to repair appliances ourselves is equally dangerous. We are so accustomed to all of the appliances in our homes and we tend to forget that they are actually complex machines. Professionals are the only ones with the tools and qualifications to do proper repairs in a safe manner.

Appliances provide functions that make our home life easier, but when they don’t work they can affect all aspects of our domestic situation. Getting the expert stove, dishwasher or refrigerator repair that you need is the financially and personally responsible decision, and one that will help life get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Looking For Reliable Home Garage Door Repair company in Bolton

It’s tough to hire a reliable garage door repairman, because neither the companies these people work for or the workers themselves are regulated in any way. Whereas the folks who service your door locks are heavily regulated and operate in a very controlled environment, you can’t be quite as sure of the folks who work on the operation of the doors. Even if you hire an individual who can show you certification, the certificates mean little, so you need to be extra careful in employing a person you’re going to allow to work in your garage. Garage Door Repair Bolton has you covered.

Some of the suggestions for choosing someone to work on your overhead door are pretty basic. Check with friends and neighbours to get names of companies who have done work for them. You want to ask about their honesty and integrity as well as mechanical skills. You can also request information from a company you are considering hiring about their former clients in order to contact these people and hear what they have to say about their own experiences with the firm.

Does this all sound like overkill just to get a simple job, like oiling your door tracks, done? Maybe so, but think about the thousands of dollars of machinery and tools that you keep in your garage and realize that you will be entrusting whoever you hire not to take anything. If your garage is attached to your home, it’s almost like inviting a stranger into the house, and you know that’s an unsafe practice. Some thieves like to get into homes as repairmen so that they can case out your property, your comings and goings, and possible entry routes in order to break in and steal from you. You can never be too careful.

There is no way to know what you’ll be getting unless you research a door company in advance. Finding someone who works alone and who has established a good reputation over many years is a good choice. If you hire a firm that employs a number of workers, you can never be sure who you’ll be getting to service your own door.

That said, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to repair an overhead door, because it can be dangerous work for anyone who isn’t familiar with the door’s operation. This includes garage door cable repair, tension-loaded springs can break, and ladders can be fallen off of, so it’s better to take a chance on hiring someone who knows what he’s doing.

Best Local London Ontario Locksmith – Reliable and Trustworthy

Having a reliable lock smith in the locality is the best thing one can have after having local electrician or plumber. We understand that locks can cease to work or function the way they should at any location and at any time. We are prepared for such emergency situation even when the lock goes wrong when the clock turns 12. There is no reason why an entrepreneur leaves his office with faulty locks or a home should spend a night with faulty locks when Locksmith Service London is just a call away. The tools and technicians from this office come with highest quality standards and the experience they bring match the training / experience which is shared in the company.

In automobile industry, the manufacturers are enhancing the security of cars (especially) and updating the key technology. Upgraded technology is very much needed in every sector and automobile is no exception. With this new technology, locksmiths have no option but to reprogram the existing car key by accessing the master codes. The new technology enhances the security for cars but at the same time makes it a very complex problem when keys malfunction. But our association with the automobile industry has given us the comfort levels of handling the malfunctioning transponder keys in appropriate manner. We possess the required credibility and tools to handle such situations without any requirement to run to the dealer’s office. On the other hand, the dealers office work only during office hours but Locksmith London is available round the clock to solve all your transponder key related problems.

At Locksmith London Ontario, we also handle issues related to re-keying, repair, legitimate key copying, transponder reprogramming and for that matter any kind of malfunctioning instances of locks. We have the craftsmanship and knowledge which is very difficult to find in 21st century.

The high quality of installation services which every lock manufacturer looks for is available with us. A home is safe which has the strong lock and a strong lock can serve its purpose only with strong installation. A single loose screw can screw up the whole security system, giving way for unwarranted thefts and associated loss for replacement. While we are just a call away, there is no reason that people in London Ontario have to risk any of these situations.

Forgetfulness is a common feature in individuals and many have been guilty of losing keys. This has resulted in many important things being locked. This is where the quality services from us come handy, which enable the person to have the key copied. While the person can supervise or get busy with attending phone calls, our efficient service will be done right at the location. Timely service, quality and efficiency, all put together defines us.

Locksmith Niagara Falls Ontario – More Than Just Door Locks!

Most Locksmiths provide a variety of services ranging from roadside emergency auto lock outs to full sock security systems for large commercial buildings. However in the majority of cases the average person will only consider calling a locksmith when they have locked themselves out of their house or car.

This is a partial list of services offered by Locksmith Niagara Falls:

•    Lock Outs
•    Locks installed & repaired
•    Deadbolt Locks Change
•    Installed & Repair
•    Master Key System Services
•    Re-key & Master Key Systems
•    High Security Locks Systems
•    Intercom Systems Repair & Installation
•    Fire Proof Panic Bars Repaired & Installed
•    Peephole Installation
•    File Cabinet Locks
•    Window Guards & Grills
•    High Security Cylinder Change & Re-Key
•    CCTV
•    Card Access Control
•    Intercom
•    Panic Devices
•    Safes Combination Change
•    Electronic Keypad and Keyless Entry
•    Safe installation and service
•    sliding glass doors
•    Quality locks for your home, car and business

Many locksmiths will also offer road side services like battery and jumpstart assistance and out of gas fuel delivery service.

Most locksmith businesses have an automotive or roadside department, a residential department and a commercial department.

Automotive Locksmith Services:

The services provided by an automotive locksmith are usually confined to roadside assistance to motorists who have inadvertently locked themselves out of their vehicle. After a frustrating hour spent with a wire hanger trying to open the door the motorists will usually relent and call a locksmith to open their car. This service will usually cast somewhere in the region of $50- $100.

A good way to prevent this is to buy a magnetized key box and clamp it on under your car somewhere. Then if for some reason or other you lock your keys inside the car you can merely go to your hidden key and open your car and in the process save yourself the $50-$100 that the locksmith will charge you for the call out to open your car.

It might also be a good idea to join CAA as their roadside assistance may open the cars of members for free.

Residential Locksmith Services

Residential locksmiths will open homes for people who have locked themselves out or lost their keys.

In the event of a burglary they will replace licks for worried homeowners.

In the event of a divorce or relationship breakup a locksmith can ease worries by replacing door locks that the partner may still retain keys for.

When a new home is purchased a locksmith can change all locks to alleviate concerns about the availability of keys to realtors and homebuyers prior to the closing.

Commercial Locksmith Services

In large commercial office buildings and residential apartments a locksmith will hold a door lock plan for the entire building enabling them to change barrels or cylinders when the need arises.

When a tenant moves out of a large apartment building the locksmith will merely replace the cylinder. The new cylinder number will be placed in the building lock plan and this will enable the new tenant to have a different key than the old tenant. However the locking system will still allow master keys used by maintenance to enter.

Similarly in large commercial buildings key integrity can be maintained by changing cylinders when employees leave or are terminated who has access to areas secured by keys. By changing only the cylinders senior executives will still have access with their existing keys as will maintenance and security officials.

Locksmith Barrie Explains Basic Service Charges For Customers

If you think that your locksmith is ripping you off, then you might or might not actually be. Locksmiths offer various services and depending on how difficult the service is and the circumstances surrounding it, it can be really worth it. Below are just some of the services that they do offer and the rationale of the price.

Changing Locks

Changing locks is the most common service that your locksmith can do for you. They can change door locks, safes and even repair loose ones. What makes the service expensive is when they need to provide the locks for homeowners. Locks differ in price and quality and if homeowners are interested in a quality lock, then it adds up to the total bill that the company has to charge. Added charges will also be incurred if they have to repair locks and/or reprogram the home’s surveillance system.

Alarm and Surveillance System

Locksmiths are no longer bound to simply changing locks but can now also install state-of-the-art security systems, CCTV and video surveillance systems. Installation of cable wires, complex pre-programming and compatibility issues may also affect the cost of the service. Aside from this, extra charges may also be incurred for additional services such as remote access and keyless access control and entry.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Locksmith Barrie services can also affect the cost of the service. As most services offer 24-hour dispatch, the time and complexity of the problem will drive the price up. Remote places will also find fees higher than those near or in downtown areas as some locksmiths do charge for transportation costs.

How to Find the Right People to do the Job for You

There are many providers out there that offer locksmith services and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. That said, it is important to ask for a quote first so you will have a clear knowledge of how much the service costs. Talk with your provider and ask them if they charge by hour or a flat fee and if taxes are already included in their published rate. Assessment charges or call outs may also be included in the service although some providers waive this fee.

Some providers may also include guarantees or warranties with the service and extra costs for additional or extension of warranty period. This may be optional so it is important that you set an appointment to talk and assess your security needs.

If you are looking for a locksmith provider that you can trust, visit Locksmith Barrie. The latest locksmith services price list for open door locks, install alarm systems, CCTVs and other services are also available on the website.

Xpress Locksmith Halifax, NS, Canada Provide Complete Security Solutions

In the present scenario, the popularity of services provided by locksmith is at acme. Locksmith is a person who provides array of services with respect to locks. For instance, when car or door keys get misplaced or lost, people purchase new locks. But now due to widespread presence of locksmith services, there is no need to buy new locks and simply avail their services

Locksmith work comprises of repairing broken keys, making duplicate keys, opening locks without using original keys and many more. Often, people prefer keeping their valuables at safes or office cabinets and lock them. Reason being, no one wants to take a risk with their office as well as personal belongings. Thus, when keys of such safes or cabinets get misplaced, it becomes a matter of concern for them. These are some of those situations which can be best handled by the locksmith.

Some of the most sought after locksmith services provided by insured and certified locksmiths are described below:

Residential services- Residential services include making duplicate keys for any door, installing high security new locks, peephole installation, intercom system repair and installation, etc. Other services that can be availed are lock picking, lock re-keying, duplication of keys, etc.

Commercial services- Offices are considered as most important places for business owners and no one wants to take risk with their security. Locksmiths know the art of providing top-notch security to  your offices by installing highly advanced security equipment in the form of commercial safes, high security locks, file cabinet locks, closed circuit television, etc.

Automotive Services- 24*7 roadside automotive assistance is provided by a number of locksmith professionals. The services provided by them include installation, changing, upgrading and repairing any type of lock for any type of vehicle. Extracting broken keys, new ignition keys, car lockout, making duplicate keys, etc are some other services provided by these professionals.

Do not forget to avail services from insured certified locksmith professionals. Reason being, they provide guaranteed and prompt services at affordable rates and they offer quality services  by causing minimum damage. Therefore, avail their valuable services for having peace of mind. For finding more information about locksmith service in Locksmith Halifax, NS, Canada.

Locksmith Halifax Provide 24 Hour Locksmith Services Call Now: 1-866-282-5510

Xpress Locksmith Oakville – Top 10 Home Security Tips

1: Lock your doors! The most fundamental of home security tips is of course to keep all windows and doors locked. When you leave the house it is crucial to make sure that a potential thief has absolutely NO easy access to you home, 15% of burglars will enter through an unlocked door, don’t make that mistake! When reporting a break in, an unlocked door can also affect insurance claims enormously, with some people being denied pay outs simply for because they left a door unlocked!

59% of burglaries occur whilst the victim is home, and this statistic is rising every year. Therefore it is equally important to lock up your home whilst you are in it. Not only at night, but during the day when you may be gardening or having a nap, burglars will seize any opportunity to slip in and out of a property. Any downstairs windows left open at night are a prime target for burglars so try and get into the habit of checking every night before bed.

2: Don’t hide spare keys. It is common knowledge that most people will hide a spare key somewhere in their garden, and for this reason most burglars will not hesitate to hunt it down. You may think you have found a genius hiding place, however, serial burglars will have had a lot of experience with finding spare keys and may very well find it. Giving a trustworthy neighbour, close-by friend, or relative a copy of your key is a good alternative for this problem.

3: Secure your shed. Your house isn’t the only roof that needs keeping safe. For most people their garage or shed will house valuable tools – tools that can be then used to break in to your home. Ladders are a main concern as, though you may lock your downstairs windows, one open first floor window plus a ladder is an easy entrance for a burglar. Similarly, if your shed stores tools such as screwdrivers or crowbars a burglar could easily use these to force a door or window open. Once again, getting in to a lock up routine before going to bed could help save your home from a break in. Further advice on shed security can be found here.

4: Keep Keys out of sight. Many homes will keep their keys on hooks or a table near the front door, which is handy for remembering them BUT also provide another opportunity for burglars. There are tools on the market which can enable burglars to reach through letter boxes or pet doors to access your keys, once again allowing for an unforced entry. Try using a closed box, or using a different location to store your keys, or a letterbox with brushes that can make it hard for prying eyes to see what’s on the other side of your door.

5: Outside lighting. Motion activated lighting for your garden can be a great deterrent for burglars as a sudden bright light illuminating their every move will make them very exposed. When purchasing lighting, consider the areas most vulnerable, hopefully paired with a window you can easily look through to check. Also different lights have different ranges of sensitivity, meaning that if you have a big garden you will need a more powerful sensor. Make sure to research before buying.

6: Burglar alarms. Much like a security light at night, activating a burglar alarm will expose an intruder very quickly. Most alarms will have ways to install sensors to doors and windows which, upon opening, will trigger the alarm if activated. Even a dummy alarm, or one that no longer works, can be a great preventative measure as most dummy alarms look very convincing and it will be hard for burglars to tell the difference. Burglars may often decide to not take the risk, and instead go looking for a home without any alarm systems.

7: Use Xpress Locksmith and Doors. Most insurance companies will be reluctant to pay out after a burglary if you are not using BSA locks. This is because there are locks out there which made from cheap materials and are easily broken or unlocked, compromising your home security immediately. Give your house the best protection possible by always buying reliable, trustworthy brands.

8: Social Media. Posting personal information about going on holiday, new expensive belongings, or any other compromising information, can seriously put your home at risk from burglary. In a new digital age, potential thieves can easily search through social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook to see if anyone near them is on a family holiday, or even home alone, and assess if they want to attempt a burglary. Adjusting your privacy settings can also help, as well as removing ‘location’ settings from your posts.

9: Light Timers. If you are on holiday or out of the house for a prolonged amount of time, it can become obvious to regular passersby that your house is unoccupied. To combat this there are several plug in timers available which can activate your lights on a timer, turning them on or off, to make it look like someone is in. There are also several inventive products like a FakeTV Burglar Deterrent Device which when turned on, uses flickering lights to simulate a television from behind closed curtains. This also works on a timer so you can set it to work just in the evenings.

10: Keep Trustworthy Neighbours in the loop. When you are on holiday, a friendly neighbour can come in very handy as they can keep an eye on your house as well as do simple things to help deter burglars. For example they can make sure your mail doesn’t build up behind your door – an obvious sign of an empty house- by moving it every few days. Also if you have a driveway you could even give them permission to use it, so that a car is parked on your property intermittently.

Hopefully you have found these tips useful, home security requires constant maintenance and one unlocked door can change everything. If you are unsure about your home, our locksmiths are available for a security survey 24/7, please do not hesitate to call 1-866-820-1331 or visit locksmith oakville/ orlocksmith brantford to find an expert in your area.