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

2012-02-02T11:15:00.000Z

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.

2012-01-31T10:31:00.002Z

London Locksmith Services - 24/7

2012-01-12T09:13:00.002Z

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.

2011-10-21T11:04:00.002+01:00

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.

2011-10-14T13:51:00.004+01:00

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!

2011-10-11T09:49:00.000+01:00

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.

2011-08-17T14:10:00.000+01:00

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.

2011-08-09T11:50:00.001+01:00

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.

2011-07-20T11:29:00.000+01:00