Open Door - Bath Locksmith News

LockRite Locksmith Bath News & Updates

The latest locksmith news and updates from LockRite's Bath Locksmith, LockRite.

Read our latest posts for home security tips, Bath securty news, and more.

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Protecting Your Home In Bath

Bath is a lot more than just one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. The stunning location, the amazing restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, the peaceful River Avon, and enough history to please even the most devout historian, all combine to create one of the best places to live in Britain.

Photo Of Bath - Protecting Your Home

Unfortunately, nowhere in the world is 100% perfect, and there are inevitably going to be crimes that take place. In Bath, local police have released their crime stats for the area, and they have revealed that burglary and theft are a concern.

It's never been more important to ensure that your home and possessions are kept safe and secure.

Get Locked Up

Obviously, the most important thing that you can do to ensure that your home is more secure is to have the best locks on your doors and windows. Look for local locksmiths in Bath and have a chat about the best options for securing your property. It's more than just taking obvious steps like not leaving a spare key under the door mat. The right lock will depend on the type of door it's being used on, how many people are using it, and whether you want a traditional lock or a smart lock.

With recent Bath crime stats showing many burglaries in central Bath and in the Avon and Somerset region overall, it's clear that home security needs to become a priority.

Identify Weak Spots

If you want to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of burglary, then you need to ensure that it's not just your doors that are fitted with the appropriate locks. Burglars will try to gain access to your property in any way that they can, so every access point needs to be evaluated. A surprising number of older homes are still without a lock on their windows, and that makes it much easier for criminals to make their way inside. Look for a mobile locksmith who can come and inspect your property, and advise you on the risk areas of your home. Simply speak with your local Bath locksmith and you'll be able to get professional advice that will make you feel much more confident when leaving your home.

Car Concerns

It's not just your home itself that needs to be kept safer. Those police stats show that vehicle crime is a very real concern. There are some basic guidelines to follow if you want to reduce your chances of leaving the house to find that your car isn't where you left it. Make sure that you have your car key close by, and limit the number of spares. You certainly don't want to leave spare copies of your keys in the bowl in your hallway. If burglars do break in, they'll certainly take advantage of the free car. Always keep any valuables hidden from view in your car, and you'll be less of a temptation.

Crime in Bath might not be as high as other cities, but nobody wants to feel unsafe. Make sure that you get professional advice from experts who have been providing the best quality home security service for Bath residents. The more secure your home, the safer and more confident you'll feel about your haven from the world, leaving you free to enjoy the best of what Bath has to offer for everyone.

How To Protect Your Valuables For Free

Getting burgled can be an incredibly emotionally distressing experience, especially when valuable or sentimental belongings are lost.  Immobilise is a free online service, fully supported by the police (via the Secured by Design initiative), in association with the National Mobile Property Register (NMPR).  Subscribers can register their valuables with the database and add photos, descriptions etc. so that in the case of their property being stolen and then found by Police, it can easily be returned to them. With almost 30,000,000 items registered it is the world’s largest free property register and is used by all 43 Police forces in the UK.  It can also help greatly with insurance claims and crime reports as you have a way to show exactly what was taken and the preventative measures you had in place. You can register for free with the Immobilise service at www.immobilise.com.  

Thieves Targeting Houses With Locksmith Stickers

Thieves are using stickers advertising a fictitious local locksmith company to mark homes which are an 'easy target'. The criminals carry out a preliminary reconnaissance on the area and mark houses which are deemed as having poor security measures in place. They later return to break into the houses which have already been marked as targets. The authorities are advising residents to remove the stickers immediately if they see any on their doors or windows. Is your home secure?  Call us today on 01225 614332 to arrange a security check on your premises. You can read more about this story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-24994148

Tips For Choosing a Locksmith in Bath

There are many factors to consider when choosing a locksmith in Bath.  Our checklist below should help you when making a decision.

  • Check the locksmith is DBS (CRB) checked.  This will reveal whether they have a hidden criminal past.  You need someone you can trust working with your home security, so if they do not have a clean DBS (CRB) check walk away.
  • Check the price quoted is what you will pay.  Many locksmiths will quote one price on the phone only to bump the price up dramatically once the work has been undertaken.  Make sure you know what you will be paying before work commences and sign something agreeing to the charges.
  • Make sure you are happy with what the locksmith says regarding your home security and don't be pressurised into an expensive upsell.  Not all locks are equal, and some cheaper locks do not provide adequate security for home insurance purposes so make sure if you're having new locks installed they are right for you.
  • Always use a trusted locksmith with a decent reputation and accountability.  There are many rogue traders who just want to rip customers off.  Check their websites for testimonials and guarantees.  If anything looks or feels dodgy, walk away and find another locksmith.
  • Call their advertised number and see how long it takes them to answer.  If calls are left ringing with no answer or diverts to voicemail numerous times it could indicate they will be difficult to get hold of if there is a problem with their work.  Use a locksmith who answers their phone!

Hopefully this checklist will help you to choose the best Bath locksmith for your needs. All LockRite locksmiths are DBS (CRB) checked and will always confirm the price you will pay before commencing any work. Call 01225 614332 now for a free, no obligation quote.

Home Security Tips for Homeowners in Bath

Your home should always look like it is occupied. Invest in timers to automatically turn on and off any electronics at various times. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This will help to deter burglars. While an alarm system or other security measures can make your home much safer, you must be sure that your security wiring isn't exposed. Intruders can get around security systems and into a home by cutting the wires. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. Keep the outside areas of your home well lit. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. Install some outside lights so you can see everything outside. This includes doorways and porches, the garage, and windows on ground floors which may invite intruders.

Van Drivers At Risk Of Theft

Many of Britain’s van drivers could be putting themselves at risk of theft without the correct  level of insurance cover according to a survey by a leading insurance comparison website. Approximately 65% of van owners surveyed, which included many small businesses, said they used their vans to transport tools, goods or equipment and over half of those surveyed said they left items in their vehicles overnight. Approximately 10% of those surveyed also admitted to selecting the 'social only' insurance level to reduce insurance costs which would not be adequate for a business/commercial insurance claim. Van drivers put their vehicles at risk of theft

Simple Suggestions For Maximizing Your Home's Security

Many homeowners are unsure of what is necessary in home security. It can be easy to over do it as well as not have enough security measures in place. Use the tips below and create a home security plan that will work for you. Locksmith If you are moving into a new home, the first thing you should do to make your home more secure is to change the locks. You do not have to change the actual locks, a locksmith can re-key the locks to make them inaccessible with any of the previous keys. To avoid being accidentally locked out of their own home, some people like to hide a key to their house in various outside places, such as under a flower pot, under the welcome mat or inside a fake rock in their landscaping. If you are guilty of this behavior, stop immediately! Numerous home invasions occur because the intruder searched for a hidden key and found it. It will be less costly to call a locksmith than it is to replace your stolen valuables. Locks You should change the locks to your new home as soon as you buy it. Even if the owner tells you that you have all of the keys, there may be a chance this is not true. You don't want to take the chance that some unknown person will have access to your home. Change your locks whenever you undergo a major life change. Whether it is moving into a new home or a former relationship moving out, you should always be aware of who has a copy of the keys to your home. You should also change your locks anytime you lose your keys. Effectively securing your home will make a big difference in the way you feel when at home and when leaving it empty. You now have the information that you need to make it happen. The above tips are just a starting point for you, so take them and get to work on your home security plan today.

Identifying Different Types of Door Lock

When calling a locksmith it is important to know what type of lock needs fixing or replacing.  Use our visual guide below to identify your particular lock type. Wood Door Wood Door Locks - Rim Cylinder, Mortice Sash Lock, Mortice Dead Bolt uPVC Door UPVC Door Locks - Euro Cylinder, Thumb Turn Cylinder Aluminium Door Aluminium Door Locks - Screw in Rim Cylinder, Oval Cylinder, Euro Cylinder

25% Of All Vehicle Thefts Now Involve The Use Of A Key

The latest UK crime statistics show an alarming rise in vehicle thefts involving the use of a key with 25 percent of all stolen vehicles now being taken with the original key or a cloned copy. It is important to lock your car, even when kept in a garage, and ensure your car keys are kept out of sight from the opportunist thief as a car which is stolen with the use of a key is unlikely to be covered in the event of an insurance claim.

Beware of short fitting screws

Almost every time I got called out to a burglary, the suspects had forced entry to the front door via "kick the door in".

Which means, whatever lock is there, the door has been severely damaged and the lock has parted from the door.
I always wonder how short the fitting screws are which had been used to secure the lock in the first place. Sometimes as short as 1.5 cm!
A bit of caution here: make sure, no - better: insist that fitting screws are long enough on both the locks and the catch. They need to be longer than four - or better - five cm.
Your door might just hold on that bit longer to resist!

Check Burglary Statistics in Bath

Home security is always worth considering, and even more so if you happen to live in an area which is prone to crime.  The website www.police.uk has an online, interactive map which shows you crime and burglary levels in your area.

Click here to view crime and burglary statistics for Bath

Would you risk all your possessions for the sake of a few pounds?

Do you know who else might have a key to your property?  If you are renting or have bought a property and never had your locks changed then a complete stranger may have a key to your home.  Also, if your house is entered without forced entry it is very unlikely an insurance company will pay out in the event of a claim. You can prevent this often overlooked scenario from ever occurring by simply getting your locks changed. Call now for a quote.

Renewing Your Insurance

When renewing your insurance it pays to read the small print detailing the type of locks that the insurer requires and approves. If the locks you have are not approved, this may invalidate any claim due to forced entry into your property.

Prolong The Life Of UPVC Doors

I would always recommend having your UPVC doors realigned and adjusted by a skilled trades person. If your doors start to stick or catch on the frame, this adjustment will prolong the life of the lock and help limit the chance of future problems.

Home Security Tips - Garden Sheds

Thefts from gardens and garden sheds, this has always been a problem, but with a few simple steps like putting a secure lock on your shed or garden store and back gate. Also putting your gardening tools/equipment, bicycles etc away and out of sight when they are not being used will also help to deter to oppotunist thief.

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