London Metropolitan Police Crime Map

Many of our London locksmiths are called out regularly to make properties secure after a break-in, however prevention is often cheaper than cure so why not take a look at the Metropolitan Police Crime Map and see if your part of London is at risk of residential burglary.  If so then call us on 0203 292 0060 and arrange for one of our London locksmiths to fit high security locks and bolts on your property.

http://maps.met.police.uk/

2012-02-20 14:32:00

LockRite Locksmith London Services - Lock Repairs, Lock Replacements and Key Cutting

2012-02-02 11:15:00

Beat The Burglar - Home Security Guide

All homes are possible targets for burglars; some are more appealing than others and quite a few offer themselves up with a bow that begs to be opened.  If your home falls into the latter group you'll need to enhance your security measures swiftly to help you beat the burglar and keep your valuable belongings protected from harm/loss.

Property insurance premiums go up every year because of increasing insurance tax and ever increasing claims levels due to crime/theft; making property insurance comparison more important than ever before. Ensuring you observe the following top 10 tips may help to secure your residence in addition to bringing your insurance premium down.

1. Windows; most burglars will want to get into your premises from the back and it is very likely that they will look to force a window to gain entry. Smashing a window will usually be a last measure because this will attract unwanted attention which means you should turn your focus to visibly safe guarding them with key operated locks.
2. Lighting; intruders don’t like to be in the spotlight so you should ensure you have outside lights fitted that operate on a sensor switch (to save electricity) that activates as soon as motion is detected. Using timer switches can be a good deterrent for any opportunist burglar if you are away for a few days.
3. Burglar Alarms; a large number of residences still don't have a security alarm and this ought to be a basic security measure on every home. The alarm box will serve as a visual deterrent to some extent (dummy sirens can also be obtained inexpensively) and you could choose a system which simply let’s off an alarm or one that calls a preset number or a local security company.
4. Exterior doors; It really is imperative that you ensure your external doors are sturdy, in good condition and secured to a significant standard. Fitting a 5 lever mortice deadlock or additional sliding bolts will greatly improve security and French doors - that are much weaker than single doors - should be installed with top and bottom mortice locks on both doors.
5. Gates & Fences; a fragile or low fence will make gaining access to the back of your property much easier. Strong 6 ft fences make the job a bit harder and thorny bushes such as Hawthorn produce a fine deterrent. Gateways also need to be similarly robust and secured internally with a bolt that is out of grasp as a minimal standard.
6. Spare Key; Under no circumstances conceal a spare key in a convenient location, it's going to be just as convenient for the typical intruder too and will give the property to them on a silver plate.
7. Don’t Leave Valuable items in View; Installing blinds and / or curtains will make it harder to see within your home. You may well be pleased with your 40 inch Plasma TV but do you need to publicise it to an opportunist burglar?
8. Purchase a Safe; if you've got especially precious items such as jewelry or a lot of cash in the home then it's a great idea to obtain a safe which can be secured in place in a hidden location. Passports, unused bank cards, etc should also ideally be locked away.
9. Mark Your Belongings; to ensure if you're burgled your property can be identified if the police recover them. This can be accomplished by scribing your zip code, surname and house number/name onto the object, or, where this is not practical, using an ultraviolet pen.
10. Do Not Publicise Your Absence; many of us are now using social networking websites like Facebook to inform everybody about their daily exploits. Do not unintentionally give details of when you’re going on vacation by mentioning dates, etc.

2012-01-31 10:31:00

London Locksmith Services - 24/7

2012-01-12 09:13:00

Locksmith Services We Provide in London

Emergency Entry

If you've mislaid your house keys or discover that you're locked out, then we can get you back in without unnecessary damage to your property. Also, because we're local to you, we can usually make it within 30-40 mins.


Repair Service

If your house is broken into, more often than not there will be damage where the burglar has forced entry. In such cases there is an immediate need to help make the property secure.

We can be on the scene within 30-40 minutes (in a majority of cases) to make the necessary repairs and alter locks as needed.


Replacement Keys and Locks

We have a large selection of substitute locks and cylinders which means we can usually carry out repairs and replacements in a single visit, helping you save time and money.


British Standard

With regards to your safety and security, quality is essential. We can provide British Standard, insurance accepted mechanisms if required, and all replacement parts have a twelve month vendors guarantee as standard.


uPVC Doors and Locks

As a specialist in uPVC multi point door locks and mechanisms, we hold virtually all the essential spares to fix around 95 per-cent of common uPVC lock and door problems on the spot, within the hour!


Mobile Key Replication

Our vans are equipped with key-cutting tools as well as a broad selection of typical household and commercial key blanks. So, extra keys for the workplace or family can be offered on the spot at a fraction of the usual cost.


Commercial Services

We provide a complete range of business services, from basic lock replacement to master key and entry systems. We also provide reliable locksmith presence for bailiffs and warrant work.

2011-10-21 11:04:00

Beware! Burglaries Set To Increase When Clocks Go Back

Traditionally burglaries increase when the clocks go back as criminals are able to target unlit properties under the cover of darkness.  You can take steps now to ensure your home is secure by upgrading to high security locks and installing deadbolts on your outer doors.  It may also be worth considering installing some security lighting in shaded areas around your home or even a burglar alarm if you don't already have one.

You can also take simple steps which don't cost anything to prevent your home from becoming another burglary statistic, such as drawing the curtains and leaving the radio and lights on when going out for the evening.

2011-10-14 13:51:00

Expert London Locksmiths

No matter whether you have misplaced your keys or been burgled, we have locksmiths local to you who can usually be with you within 30 minutes with no call out fee.  Our rates are very competitive, however if you've already received a quote from another company please call us and we'll see if we can beat it!

2011-10-11 09:49:00

Common Locksmith FAQs

What should I do while waiting for the locksmith to arrive?
Please make sure we have a valid contact number for you (mobile/neighbours landline, etc) and that you are able to answer the phone in case the locksmith has problems locating you.  Please don't tamper with the lock yourself as you could cause additional damage which may prove expensive to repair.

How long will it take for the locksmith to gain entry?
If the lock is a standard rim cylinder type (Yale/Euro Cylinder) then in most instances entry can be gained within a matter of minutes.  More complex locks such as five lever mortice deadlocks will take longer due to their inherently secure nature.

Are your locksmiths really local to London?
Yes!  All our locksmiths actually live within the locality they serve.  Not only does this mean they can be with you quickly (usually within 30 minutes) but it also means you are helping to support a local business rather than a company which has no interest in your community.

I've heard something recently about 'Bump Keys'.  What are they?
Bump Keys are special keys which can open practically any rim cylinder lock.  They are special locksmith tools but recently there have been reports of homes being broken into in London by thieves using bump keys which are freely available to buy online.  Perhaps the most unsettling thing about this is it allows a thief to gain entry as easily as if they had your own house key - silently and quickly.  It is possible to have anti-bump locks fitted which will prevent your locks from being compromised this way.  Give us a call if you would like to discuss this option.

What is 'lock snapping'?
Lock snapping is a term given to a technique used by some burglars to break into Euro cylinder locks (the type commonly found on uPVC doors) by physically snapping the cylinder in half.  Once the lock is snapped the door can be opened within a matter of seconds.  Anti-snap locks are available which can prevent this method of forced entry.  Give us a call if you would like to discuss this option.

2011-08-17 14:10:00

London Riots - Boarding and Securing Services

If your property has been damaged by the recent London riots or you are concerned about securing your premises give us a call. We offer professional boarding and property securing services for both domestic and commercial properties in London.

2011-08-09 11:50:00

Lost Your Keys?

If you have lost your keys it is advisable to get your locks changed so there is no risk of a burglar using your keys to access your home. If you are out and about and lose your keys, it could be because you've dropped them somewhere or that you've been pick-pocketed. Either way, an opportunist thief could have them in their possession They could then follow you home and find out where you live.

To make matters worse, if your home is burgled with no visible signs of a break and police cannot confirm a crime has actually taken place, it is very unlikely any insurance company would pay out on a claim.

2011-07-20 11:29:00

London Locksmith Services - 24/7, 365

Don't forget if you need a locksmith anywhere in London we are available 24/7, 365 days a year!

2011-07-12 16:40:00

Locksmith London - Home Security Advice

Typically intruders will endeavour to enter your home via the doors or windows. Now and again there might be instances where thieves obtain entry by another way, for example through the roof space, however in the vast majority of instances the windows and doors would be the initial layer of protection for any home.

Over half the time criminals may actually force entry by smashing a window or kicking a doorway in. In most circumstances they could use instruments to assist with the breakin such as crowbars, hammers and screwdrivers. This means that many burglars can also be equipped with a potential weapon leaving any confrontation exceedingly perilous.

It may well surprise you to realise that the vast majority of external doors are poorly manufactured with sub-standard locks, and it doesn't require a considerable amount of force to kick a door from it's timber frame. It is seriously worth installing dead-bolts on exterior doors and look into strengthening the door frame.

A large percentage of break-ins are usually opportunist crimes and can be prevented with some basic security measures. For example, if you are planning to go out for the evening make sure you close your curtains and leave a light on. Keeping a radio on can assist to deter would be robbers since it offers the appearance your house is not empty.

If you are considering leaving your household empty for a couple of days or more then get a friend to help keep a close watch on the house and look at buying some timer delay electric plug switches that can be set to switch lamps on and off at specific time periods.

Once again this provides the perception your house is occupied. Almost any home is only as strong as the weakest access point, so be sure that all of your doors and windows are shut and wherever possible locked, ideally with a dead-bolt.

2011-07-05 17:15:00

Just 2% of London Boroughs Responsible for 15% of Residential Burglaries

• Havering
• Barking and Dagenham
• Newham
• Greenwich
• Tower Hamlets
• Lewisham
• Southwark
• Lambeth
• Croydon
• Kingston
• Hammersmith and Fulham
• Southall
• Westminster
• Brent
• Camden
• Enfield
• Haringey
• Waltham Forest

A series of raids within these areas have led to the arrest of around 50 people and the Met will continue with Operation Target over the coming months in order to crackdown on crimes such as robbery and burglary in London.

No matter where you live, home security is extremely important, however if you live within any of these London boroughs we strongly recommend you get your locks upgraded as soon as possible so you do not become another crime statistic.  Call us today.

2011-06-23 15:03:00

Lock Snapping - What It Is And How To Prevent It

You may of heard of a practice known as 'lock snapping' where thieves break into uPVC doors by physically snapping the lock.  This is possible because standard uPVC locks have an inherent weakness in the middle, and they can be easily snapped using a special tool which applies pressure to this section.  Once snapped, a criminal can access the locking points of a uPVC door and easily open it.

Anti-snap cylinders can protect against this type of attack.  They are designed in such a way that any force against the lock will actually shear the end of the lock off just beneath the door line, frustrating the efforts of the would-be intruder.

Call your local London locksmith today to get your uPVC locks upgraded.

2011-05-09 16:20:00

Common Entry Points for Burglars

Most of the time burglars will attempt to enter your home through the doors or windows.  Occasionally there may be instances where thieves gain entry by another means, such as via the roof space, but the majority of the time the doors and windows will be the first line of defence of any home.

Over half the time burglars will actually force entry by breaking a window or kicking a door in.  In many instances they will use tools to assist with the break-in such as crowbars, hammers and screwdrivers.  This means that most burglars are also equipped with a potential weapon making confrontation extremely dangerous.

It may surprise you to know that most exterior doors are actually poorly constructed with sub-standard locks, and it doesn't take a considerable amount of force to kick a door off it's wooden frame. It is well worth installing dead bolts on front doors and look into reinforcing the door frame.  Why not give us a call to arrange a free security survey of your home?

2011-05-06 10:23:00

London Locksmith Services 24/7

You never know when you might find yourself in need of a locksmith in London. Lost or stolen keys, burglaries and faulty locks are just some of the reasons and they can affect anyone at any time. Put our mobile friendly number in your phone now - you never know when you might need a London locksmith!

Call 0333 566 0070 any time

2011-05-05 11:03:00

Crime Falls in London, But Burglary Increases In Camden

Recent stats from the Metropolitan Police show that overall crime levels in London have fallen 17% since 2000/2001, however burglaries in Camden have increased from 3,282 to 3,347 over the past 12 months.

Most burglaries are opportunist crimes and can be prevented with some basic security measures.  For example, if you are going out for the evening remember to close the curtains and leave a light on.  Leaving a radio on can also help to detract would be intruders as it gives the impression your property is occupied.

If you plan on leaving your home vacant for a few days or more then ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the property and consider getting some timer delay plug switches which can be programmed to turn lights on and off at set times.  Again this gives the impression the house is occupied.

Any property is only as secure as its weakest entry point, so make sure all your windows and doors are shut and wherever possible locked, preferably with a dead-bolt.  If you would like someone to assess your home security or upgrade your locks, give us a call.

2011-05-03 11:48:00

Just How Strong Are uPVC Doors?

2011-04-19 10:21:00

Make Sure Your Locks Are Insurance Approved

Residential burglary is a constant problem in any major town or city such as London, with a house being broken into approximately every 37 seconds in Britain.  Most residential burglaries are opportunist and you can take some simple steps to prevent being a target.

The most basic thing you can do is to make sure all doors and windows are locked shut when not in use, and don't make the mistake of assuming just because you are in the house that will prevent a burglar.  If you have a window or door open downstairs and you are upstairs in the shower, a burglar could easily walk in and make off with your valuables without you even knowing.  Also if there is no forced entry it is extremely unlikely an insurance company would pay out in the event of a claim.

If you go out of an evening, leaving a light on and the curtains drawn will give the impression the house is occupied and can deter any would be thieves.  Also leaving a radio on will give the impression the house is occupied.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of home security is the quality of the locks themselves.  If your door or window locks are not insurance approved then even if your home is forcibly entered, the insurance company may not be obliged to pay out.  This is a condition of most household insurance nowadays so it is worth getting a professional locksmith to visit your home, examine your locks and make recommendations on improving the security if required.  Give us a call today to get your locks upgraded, and have peace of mind you are protected if the worst should happen.

2011-04-13 12:21:00

How to find a locksmith in London in an emergency!

Picture the following scenario: You return home late one night, it's raining and you reach into your pocket for your door keys only to find they are not there. Frantically you search for them but soon come to the realisation you have lost them and there is no way into your house.

What do you do?

It is always prudent to be prepared for any emergency, and the simplest way to prepare for this situation is to make sure you have the number of an emergency london locksmith in your mobile phone.

What differentiates a normal locksmith from an emergency locksmith? Well, an emergency locksmith can usually be with you within the hour and is on call 24/7. Just what you need if you are standing in the pouring rain in the small hours of the morning unable to get into your home!

In fact, as you are reading this post why not put this number in your phone right now?

0333 566 0070

This number will put your through to a 24 hour LockRite emergency locksmith in London, and the 03 number prefix means you won't be paying a fortune to call it (unlike calling an 0800 number from a mobile).

Put it in your phone now, you never know when it might come in handy!

2011-03-29 12:41:00

North London Locksmith

Our North London Locksmith is available 24/7 and covers the following areas:

Camden Town, East Finchley, Finchley, Finsbury Park, Golders Green, Hampstead, Hendon, Highbury, Highgate, Holloway, Hornsey, Islington, Kentish Town, Mayfair, Muswell Hill, New Southgate, South Tottenham, St Johns Wood, Stoke Newington, Tottenham, Upper Holloway and Wood Green.

Call 0207 127 4648 for a quote or visit locksmith london north for more information.

2011-03-29 12:37:00

London Crime Rate - Burglary Statistics

Sometimes it helps to know how 'at risk' you may be from burglary so you can take preventative measures such as adding extra locks to doors and windows, or installing a burglar alarm.  It can also help you to make an informed decision before moving into a new property.

If you live in London and would like to know how at risk your area is from burglary and other crimes, click on the following link to get up to date information direct from the Metropolitan Police: London Crime Rate

2011-03-29 12:24:00