Locked Out – Who you gonna call?

One of the most common problems I come up against is people accidentally sliding the snib that activates the latch on a Yale-type lock. Because people do not realise they have done this, the door is hard to close and is then slammed shut and forgotten about until the key holder returns to find their key does not turn the lock.

Once the door has been closed with the latch activated, the only way to de-activate it is from the inside; the key will not work until this has been done. Locksmiths carry tools to manipulate the inner latch from the outside, but the door needs to have a good size letter box, and some light on the subject is particularly useful – as locksmiths may use mirrors to help see what they are doing. The pressure put on the latch when the door has slammed, can make the snib very stiff to manipulate.

Sometimes the only way to get past this problem (this really is the last resort) is to drill out the front part of the lock, and remove it before taking up a heavy masonry chisel and smashing the rear part of the lock off from the outside, which runs the risk of damaging the door as the fixing screws are ripped out.

The way to avoid the possibility of this happening is to invest in a British Standard auto-deadlocking night latch. These have the same, general operation as the standard night latch or “Yale” type locks, but with a few differences; Firstly, they are more resistant to picking, drilling and other forms of attack, making them much more secure. You can only use the latch mechanism when the bolt is retracted, making all the above problems go away in one fell swoop, and because of this, the normal sliding snib is replaced by a push button that can only be operated when the bolt is being held back, so no accidental operation.

The other great thing about these locks is their longevity. In my time as a locksmith, I have attended mechanical failures of mortice locks, upcv cylinders and standard yale locks on a fairly regular basis. In fact, most of my work involves replacing faulty locks of the above types, but so far, I have only had to get into one British Standard Night latch, which I am thankful for because the toll on my tools was impressive, making it a great bit of kit to deter unwanted intruders.

While these locks are not cheap, they can save the cost of a more expensive door repair should the accidental snib slide happen to you.

Thanks for reading.

admin January 27, 2014

Locked Out /

Keep Your Home Secure at Christmas

With the big day approaching, no one wants to add to their stress by thinking too much about home security, but it is a time when we spend long periods away visiting relatives leaving our homes vulnerable to possible burglars.

Nothing advertises an empty house more than Christmas lights that have been put up but not switched on, or are on during the day, so make sure your lights have a timer. If you have lights that have electrical leads coming into your house, it is easy to forget to lock the windows where the lead comes in, so double check this has been done, especially on wooden windows, as the lead can be used to pull the window open enough to get a tool in that might be able to manipulate the handles from the outside.

Check your insurance documentation. Many insurers are now stating that locks be rated BS 3621. That means whether your door is wooden, upvc or metal, the lock should have a distinct kite mark. The insurance sellers might not tell you this at point of sale, and most of my security upgrades are the result of people actually reading the policy documents and finding they were not covered. While rare, burglaries do happen in Norfolk. Yale have a mobile phone application that will tell you how many burglaries have occurred in the last month within a mile of any post code you enter. Its free and easy to use so worth downloading. Not to scare you but to just be aware.

Finally, AC Locksmiths would like to wish all our customers and blog readers a safe, secure, and a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

admin December 23, 2013

Home security at Christmas /

Staying Safe and Secure.

Almost half of all vehicle thefts are carried out by criminals who have gained access to the victim’s keys. This can either be by the keys being lifted from the owner’s person, e.g. pockets or picked, or handbags stolen, or from the owner’s home. I am constantly finding homes where keys are left on the inside of the front door or placed on a unit near to the front door. With telescopic magnets now easily available, these are very easy for thieves to get at and steal your car from outside your house.
I know it is very convenient to have your keys to hand as you leave the house, but please put them in a draw, or have some sort of barrier that hides them from any line of sight through your letterbox. (Not forgetting that a small mirror can be used to see anything to the sides.)
This does not just apply to the cars either; If a would-be burglar can see your keys on the inside of your door, he can get them and gain entry – thus making even the best of locks worthless. I have used this method several times when people have locked themselves out, I may be a professional locksmith but if I can do this then others can too! It is just too easy for those with a bit of knowledge or determination to do.

When you are out, there are some other ways to protect yourself. The busy shopping period is now in full swing and crowded shopping centres are a haven for light fingered pick-pockets and bag snatchers so here are some useful tips:

  • Put your wallet in a different pocket to your usual one – the different feel will hopefully alert you if someone tries to take it.
  • A karabiner style keyring that screws up, attached to your belt loop, will make keys harder to snatch. You can attach this via a cord to your keys in your pocket.
  • Only take what you really need in your handbag – address books and personal information should be left at home, if possible. If you lose your bag with keys and your home information you will have to change your locks.
  • Check wallets and purses for sensitive information. Is your credit card pin number hidden inside the same wallet as your card?
  • Keep cards and cash in separate pockets and wallets – this way if one gets stolen you still have the other for emergency use.
  • Look around and behind you before entering your pin into any terminal. Take the time to see if anyone is interested in what you are typing.
  • Keep a tight hold on the strap of your bag, or if you are carrying lots of bags of shopping, put your handbag into one of the shopping bags so it is not easy to snatch from your shoulder.
  • If you have a personal alarm, don’t carry it in the depths of your handbag. Make sure it is in easy quick reach so that you may get to it quickly should you need it.
  • Regularly check your pockets for your valuables. Pat your pockets, etc.
  • It’s great to look nice when you are out, but is it worth advertising your personal wealth and making you a target? Make regular trips to lock away your shopping in your car so you are not carrying too much. A laden, smart dressed shopper is a more obvious target.
  • If you leave stuff in your car, make sure it is hidden in the boot and that you have a parcel shelf (if you have an estate or hatch back).
  • Show your car is well protected by investing in bright coloured steering locks, etc that can be seen from a distance and stop the opportunist singling out your vehicle.
  • Be wary of groups milling around or anyone looking remotely suspicious.

There are also ways to look after your personal safety as the party season gets into full swing.

  • Don’t make yourself a target by going off on your own.
  • If you do have to go home alone, keep to lighted areas even if it means an extra ten minutes to your route.
  • Make a mental note of where to find places with more people. If you feel you are being followed, the nearest late night take away might be a safe haven until the danger has passed.
  • Always keep enough money back for a cab.
  • Only use licensed cabs.
  • If your friends have a tendency to go off with others and leave you alone then ditch them and find friends who are not so selfish as to leave you vulnerable.
  • If it’s your young adults that are out then try be understanding. Better you get out of bed at 4.00am to pick them up and know they are safe, than get up at 6.00am to find the police at your door.  
  • If for any reason you are being attacked, try and get an object like a car between you and your attacker, so you can see them and whichever way they go, you can just circle the car to get away.
  • In the worst case scenario, shout “Fire!” repeatedly. People are more likely to look out of their windows if there is a chance of personal danger.

 

There are obviously many more tips on staying safe personally but using common sense is your best ally. It would be great to live in a completely safe world but by using common sense, we become less of a target. Although no-one should ever blame themselves for what has happened to them, almost every victim can say: “If only I had not done this….” or “If only I had done…” and those sentences usually finish with something very basic and sensible.

Be safe this winter and thanks for reading

admin December 2, 2013

keys / locksmiths / Safety /

Security Chains

 

Having recently read the local crime report, I see that distraction burglaries have started up again. This is where someone comes to your front door, with some excuse to keep you talking. They might be selling something, or posing as a charity worker, or one of many other things that can be used to keep your attention.

While they have you listening to them at the front door, their partner in crime is in the back looking for anything of value that can be stolen. This is a great time of year for it as many of us have our back doors wide open in the heat to allow cool air through the house. It’s almost too easy for them, especially as they prey more on the elderly and vulnerable.

Many people have security chains on their front doors so they can see either the face, or the credentials, of the person they might be potentially letting into their home, but how many of us put a chain on the back door as well?  It would take a second or two to ensure the security chain was on your back door (if you had one fitted), before going to see who your unannounced visitor was and if it was a hoax, then the potential back door burglar would not be able enter without making a huge racket and thus, alerting you to their presence.

Alternatively, you may be the sort of person who likes an afternoon nap in our current hot weather. A security chain on the back door allows you to still let the cooler air in and keeps the opportunist out.

 AC Locksmiths Norfolk can come and fit a security chain in less time than it takes to drink a cup of tea. (Although we always say “yes” when one is offered.)  We can also talk to you about all your security needs and help make sure the opportunist thief moves on elsewhere.  We will also be sympathetic to financial constraints and will endeavour to make recommendations with various options to suit all budgets. 

 Thanks for reading!

admin August 6, 2013

Crime prevention /

Locks and Insurance standards explained

Which lock?
While some of the following may sound obvious to some readers, I do still come across many instances where I am asked the questions I will answer here and hope that everyone finds at least some of it interesting.

Firstly, the three most common types of lock;-

  1. The Rim cylinder, often referred to a “Yale” type lock. This usually has a circular housing on the outside of the door, with a mechanism on the inside that is operated by a knob or lever, called a “nightlatch.”
  2. The mortice lock, often referred to as a “Chubb” lock. This lock is positioned into the door with a key hole on both sides. It can be just a key operation, in which case it is called a “mortice deadlock”, or it can have a latch as well, with door handles – In this case it is called a “mortice sash-lock.” The keys are usually cylindrical with a square piece on the end into which is cut the shape that will match the levers inside.
  3. The Euro-cylinder. This is found on upvc, composite (wood effect), aluminium and a very few wooden doors. The key is similar to the rim cylinder, the lock barrel is shaped as a circle with a rectangular piece coming down. There are oval versions of this but they are not common in Norfolk.

BSI and insurance standards.
If your door only has a rim cylinder and it is your door of final exit, then it must have a BSI kite mark to satisfy most insurers. This means it should have an automatic deadlocking system. You can identify this system by looking at the nightlatch. Where the latch part comes out, you will see a smaller spring loaded protrusion. As the door closes, this strikes the keep and makes the latch shoot out further and makes a barrier that stops burglars “slipping” the lock to gain entry. Often these also have a key hole on the inside to lock the nightlatch, making it impossible to open the door using the lever. This means that if a burglar breaks into your home through a window, they still cannot take large items out the front door. Finally, around the front of the key way on the outside of the door, a strong housing over the disc will deter drilling attempts.

If your door is protected by a mortice lock, then it must be a five lever mortice lock. You can get two and three lever mortice locks but these should only be used for internal doors and cupboards. A BSI kite marked five lever mortice lock will have certain features that are not obvious or even seen. Firstly, there is the anti-pick curtain. This sits just inside the hole where the key goes in. It stops standard lock-picking procedures. You will not see the anti-drill plate which is an extra piece of metal on both sides that protects the internal working parts from attack via drilling. Standard drill bits will blunt before getting through these. The bolt will be hacksaw protected by either internal rollers or a thick rubbery material that grips the saw blade. The keep that sits in the frame of the door, will be deep and fully metal. These locks are so strong, if the door is forced, the door, frame or both will normally split before the lock gives.

The Euro cylinder on upvc doors is the only lock that, so far, does not have to have a BSI kite mark to satisfy most insurance companies. When your insurance company asks if you have a five lever lock, they are NOT referring to upvc doors – this is a very common mistake. We believe every upvc door should have a kite marked euro cylinder as it has been shown several times that they are easy to attack in several ways. BBC West Yorkshire have shown it is possible to break in, with no power tools, in less than a minute, regardless of the amount of hooks, rollers and bolts on upvc or composite doors.
There are many ways to help ensure standard cylinders are harder to attack, but investing in a kite marked cylinder and more robust handles is, in our opinion, the best way to go. Sooner or later, the insurance companies are going to start calling for improved cylinders on upvc doors anyway, and at that point, the cost is likely to go up.

Many people are unaware that upstairs windows require locks by most insurance companies as well. These are often cheap and easy to fit, but it is always worth an assessment by a locksmith to make sure you have the best, or even to see if there are any locking designs that are more aesthetically pleasing than the bulk standard held in DIY stores.

Also, many people do not realise that most good locksmiths will also be willing to fit security lights and alarm systems. With wireless technology, these are now getting just as easy to fit yourself, but again, for more in depth security, a locksmith or alarm specialist should be consulted.

Should you have any questions about your particular locks, home security or anything in our blogs, please do not hesitate to contact us via the contacts page, or, by calling  07846 643176.

Thanks for reading.

admin June 24, 2013

insurance standards / kite marked / locks /

Why choose AC Locksmiths Norfolk?

There are several Locksmiths available to carry out your work in the Norfolk area, so we have done some research on the competition to find out what sets us apart. Please take a minute or two to read the following and make your own mind up.

  • We are a genuine local company, based in Norfolk meaning the money you pay remains in the local economy stimulating local business.
  • We do not sub-contract out our work.
  • We are transparent with our pricing. Our labour rates for 2013/14 are £50 regardless of time of day, weekends or bank holidays. (£70 for car entry) and there are no labour costs if the locking products exceed £100. We can find no other locksmith website in this part of the country that advertises its’ prices. We find this fact very significant as we believe in being open and honest about our pricing from the first – there are no unpleasant surprises regarding what we charge our customers.
  • We are a qualified locksmith, we hold the highest level of accreditation in the country, NCFE level 3; this means we have trained and gained the appropriate qualifications. This is of particular importance in an industry that, so far is unregulated. (Although this should hopefully be changing soon.) We know that there are not many locksmiths that can offer this high standard at the prices we charge.
  • We still offer free security checks of your house, garage, office etc. – with no obligation to buy.
  • We often give free advice over the phone.
  • We do not charge labour twice if we have to make a second visit because we did not have your product on board the first time around.
  • Our existing customers are rewarded for loyalty by having labour rates frozen against future rises, i.e. last year’s customers continue to pay last year’s labour rates.
  • We stock second hand products for customers who cannot afford new ones.
  • We agree the full cost before work commences.
  • We take pride in our work: – that’s why we get testimonials and recommendations (which go on the testimonials page.) These are all genuine, from happy, satisfied customers.
  • We do not charge VAT, and will not charge it until we have to – this alone saves 20% off your final costs.
  • We write information blogs to help you save money, or inform you how to improve your security.
  • We want to be the best and are always on the look out for ways to improve without impacting on our prices.

admin May 31, 2013

AC Locksmiths / Locksmiths norfolk / qualified locksmith /

Saving money reminder

Time has flown since my last blog and lots have happened. Christmas has been surprisingly busy with an increase in window locks, (I will talk about this later) and a house move which has reminded me how much family pulls together when needed. Also this site is undergoing a few tweaks which we are really excited about. Hopefully, this will make us stand out even more.
But, back to the house move. As soon as we had a move date, the usual worries started about the cost of it all, particularly the removal van. As we were not moving very far, we thought a large van and a few trips would suffice. Looking back, I can honestly say that without some very hard work from our family we would have taken a week rather than a day to get done. This has set me to thinking about how, in my experience, many of us are so caught up in our own lives and issues, we do not stop to think about our siblings until those big days like house moves, weddings, etc, and while it is great to be there for these occasions, many of us do the dutiful visits but then go through the same routines. The point I am trying to make is this, if you have siblings, parents, cousins, friends, neighbours, even work colleagues, start talking to them about the more everyday things that cause problems or you could do  with advice on. Find out who their energy suppliers are, who their plumber is, who their locksmith is, do they know anything at all that could make your own life easier and do you know anyone or anything that could potentially help them. If someone in your life is elderly,you could check they are having essential things like boiler services done (without trying to take their independence away) and that they are coping as well as they like to think in an ever more complicated world.
And finally, my advise would be  – you could club together to save money. We say we charge £45 per hour for labour, but I have nearly always found that doing multiple lock jobs, gives me enough profit to be able to waiver any labour cost beyond that first hour. Therefore, if you wanted to upgrade your own locks, you should talk to your neighbours first and see if they want to improve their own home security. Providing the whole job was within a reasonable distance, the labour cost would not only be shared, but reduced as well. This is a policy that could be extended to all trades and should be. After all, most of the trades persons labour charge is to cover things like petrol, tools, etc. If that trades person only has  to travel once, then their own costs go down, a saving that may be passed to the customer.
So, look at your jobs that need doing, talk to your friends, neighbours and family to find out if they are in a similar position and if so, see if you can get the work done cheaper between you. If nothing else, you will be that little bit closer to all.
This talk will also enable you to start your own directories of trusted traders that can be relied on for quality work at reasonable prices.

Now, back to those windows. Insurers are increasingly insisting that upper storey windows have locks as well as the ground floor. Check your own Buildings and Contents policy and then check your windows. I recently astounded myself with how easy it is to gain entry to an unlocked casement window with only rudimentary tools. I am also aware of entire estates of newer build properties that have the wooden double glazed windows. These are often built with lockable windows downstairs but non-lockable upstairs. Check now, because there must be nothing worse than the break in followed by the bad news of invalid insurance.

Finally, some bad news. It is with regret that we are going to  increase labour rates at the start of the new financial year in April. This is due to continued motoring costs and the need to cover such a large area. The increase will be between £5 and £10 ( still to be costed and finalised), but we do intend to continue our current policy of keeping labour rates the same regardless of time of day or day of week.

admin January 20, 2013

insurance / Locksmiths norfolk / saving money /

Locksmiths Accreditation

As of 23rd November 2012, AC Locksmiths are proud to announce we are holders of an NCFE Level 3 accreditation. The locksmithing industry is undergoing big changes behind the scenes, and while governments still do not want a nationally recognised qualification, the industry itself has taken matters into its own hands and taken measures to ensure customers can have some peace of mind in the level of competence of the locksmith they choose to carry out work for them. The result has been working with the NCFE to produce an accreditation with three levels. If you have not heard of the NCFE, they are a body similar to City and Guilds who deal with more “hands on” qualifications and their standards are high. A level 1 accreditation covers the basics of locksmithing while to achieve level 3, a thorough knowledge of locks and entry methods is required. For our customers, this means we have shown the ability to gain entry with minimum damage to doors and framework. While some damage is sometimes unavoidable, we will explain every step of the way the consequences of our actions and allow the customer to make the decision on how to proceed with all the available information. It also means that when installing new locks or equipment, we will make good and not take payment unless you are happy with the end result. Anything at all that causes problems will be explained to you before proceeding. Aside from this, our prices are still very competitive and we will talk you through the cost before work begins so you know exactly what you are paying for. Anyone can call them self a locksmith, but even within the industry, at time of press, not many can say they are NCFE level 3 accredited. Please note our number on the contacts page and put it into your mobile phone address book. You might never need a locksmith, but if you do, you will want the best qualified at the best price.

admin November 27, 2012

auto locks / auto locksmith Norfolk / locksmith norwich / locksmithing /

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