If you’re looking for something to lock a simple gate or chest then you may not have to get the most heavy duty lock on the market. Contacting a professional is one of the best ways to determine what lock is best for your padlock needs.

It is important to consider that most padlocks can be cut with bolt cutters or removed by someone who really wants to remove it. But, they do provide a good deterrent to theft and trespassing. It is a good idea to use padlocks when applicable, but worth it to make sure you don’t over do it. This is most important for the sake of saving money. This is because often times the money you have to pay for the biggest and baddest padlocks aren’t worth the small amoutn of extra security they are able to provide.

There are a myriad of locksmiths and other professionals that can give you advice on this type of thing. Checking out www.poolelocksmiths.co.uk is a great place to start. If you happen to have any questions or concern about security and what kind of locks are best for your needs it is a good idea to do a little bit of research in order to help you save the most money possible.

Car locksmith Poole understand One of the scariest times is finding out what to do when you get locked out of your car. You really need to think ahead, before this situation happens to you. There are many locksmiths around but not all of them are responsive to your needs. For example, I have called a locksmith in the past to have a keyless entry ordered and installed and he never got back to me, so I ordered them elsewhere and had them programmed.

Many people wonder if how securing their home after a break in can be done. They may think it’s going to be hard to feel safe and trust that everything is alright. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. All they need is a good locksmith and a little time.

How Locksmiths Can Help

How Bournemouth & Poole Locksmiths Can Help!

Bournemouth & Poole Locksmiths can help with securing your home after a break in because they can change your locks and give you home security advice on how to make things go more smoothly in the future. They may also be able to help you feel safe and secure in your home again. This is a big deal for someone that has had to to just deal with this kind of an issue.

Bournemouth & Poole Locksmiths can find the points of entry the burglar may have used in the first place and be able to take care of the problem before it happens a second time. Many times when a locksmith is redoing the locks after a break in, they will work with the customer to make sure they understand how everything works and how to protect themselves from a break in of this kind.

Why Hire Poole & Bournemouth Locksmiths After A Break In?

The best reason to hire a us is so the securing your home after a break in is done correctly and without any issues. You may think you can change the locks on your own, but if the person that broke in didn’t come through a door, you may not be able to keep them from doing it again without a professional lock installation.

We are committed  to securing your home after a break in. And you will be able to get the services you need without any issues or concerns. You should also will feel safe and happy in your home. The last thing you want is to feel as though someone may be able to get into your home and harm you or your family.

Contact us today at Bournemouth & Poole Locksmiths on 01202 765566

Poole & Bournemouth Locksmiths understand Getting locked out of your home in the middle of the night might seem hilarious to some and frightening to others. The odds are that you might get locked out of your home at least once in your lifetime. And that time might be in the middle of a dark night. Here are safety tips if you get locked out of your home at night.

The first rule of thought is to stay calm and do not panic. Take a deep breath and think carefully. Perhaps you’ve overlooked your keys. They might be located in another pocket or deeper down in your tote or purse. Search carefully. If the search fails to produce a house key move onto the next tip.

Think for a moment. Perhaps you or a family member stashed a key somewhere around the property in case of such an emergency. Make a quick search under floor mats on the entryway or under flower pots. These are traditional hiding places for a second key. Remember in the future to always stash an extra key in a secret place outside the home for such an emergency.

Always carry a small flashlight in your purse or tote for such emergencies. The flashlight makes it possible for you to see your way around in the dark and to search your belongings thoroughly for the missing house keys. A flashlight is also helpful to light the way while you walk around the property checking for an open window or unlocked back entry door.

Another good suggestion is contacting a neighbor. You might need their help to gain entry to the home or to make an emergency call to a locksmith.

Always carry a charged cellphone with you when you leave the home. This is for your security and it is helpful to call a neighbor, family member, or locksmith.

Bournemouth & Poole Locksmiths Local Gain Entry Service

Poole & Bournemouth Locksmiths are open twenty fours a day and seven days a week. Carry a copy of our telephone number in your wallet or purse. Use these safety tips if you get locked out of your home at night.

Contact us 24 hours a day for a fast response with are mobile in site service. Call: 01202 765566

Locksmiths Poole & Bournemouth Lock Fitting Service There are a few reason why you would need to change/replace your locks in Poole & Bournemouth, one of those reason is your moving house.

many people forget the importance of changing their locks at the new property. It is difficult to know how many sets of keys the property has had in the past and who still has access to your new home. New door locks ensure you have piece of mind, secure in the knowledge that the only keys that open your door are the ones you hold.

Bournemouth Locksmiths offer Another reason to to change your locks is If you have had a break-in or robbery, under these circumstances you must replace your locks. The force involved in a robbery or break-in can compromise the integrity of the mechanics of the lock. A damaged lock will put you at a higher risk of another robbery, and mechanical failures as a result of the damage can cause a lock malfunction that could leave you locked out in the cold. A properly locked door is your first line of defense against unwanted intruders in your home. When arranging for reliable home security, it is best to be proactive in replacing locks and replace a lock before the lock malfunctions.  keep an eye open for signs that your locks need to be replaced.

Also if your keys get lost or stolen. For better security in your home, you must replace or re-key your locks if your keys are lost or stolen. Figure out which keys you have lost, and replace the locks in order of security priority. Outdoor locks that would give an intruder access to your home should be replaced immediately. After your outdoor area is secured, you can replace inner locks in order of your personal security priorities.
If you frequently lose your keys, you might benefit from a combination door lock.

Locksmiths Poole & Bournemouth Lock Fitting Service

Finally, If you rent out space in your home, protect yourself by replacing locks every time you change tenants.

Should you need any help with replacing, repairing, fitting, changing your locks, Poole Locksmiths are only a call away. 01202 -765566

Poole & Bournemouth Lock Fitting Specialists are on call 24 hours a day and offer a mobile service to your home or business premises.

Doors and Locks

The first step is to harden the target or make your home more difficult to enter. Remember, the burglar will simply bypass your home if it requires too much effort or requires more skill and tools than they possess. Most burglars enter via the front, back, or garage doors. Experienced burglars know that the garage door is usually the weakest point of entry followed by the back door. The garage and back doors also provide the most cover. Burglars know to look inside your car for keys and other valuables so keep it locked, even when parked inside your garage. Use high quality Grade-1 or Grade-2 locks on exterior doors to resist twisting, prying, and lock-picking attempts. A quality deadbolt lock will have a beveled casing to inhibit the use of channel-lock pliers used to shear off lock cylinder pins. A quality door knob-in-lock set will have a ‘dead latch’ mechanism to prevent slipping the lock with a shim or credit card.

• Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points
• Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt
• Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism
• Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden door frame
• Use a wide-angle 160° peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches

The most common way used to force entry through a door with a wooden jamb is to simply kick it open. The weakest point is almost always the lock strike plate that holds the latch or lock bolt in place followed by a glass paneled door. The average door strike plate is secured only by the soft-wood doorjamb molding. These lightweight moldings are often tacked on to the door frame and can be torn away with a firm kick. Because of this construction flaw, it makes sense to upgrade to a four-screw, heavy-duty, high security strike plate. They are available in most quality hardware stores and home improvement centers and are definitely worth the extra expense. Install this heavy-duty strike plate using 3-inch wood screws to cut deep into the door frame stud. Use these longer screws in the knob lock strike plate as well and use at least one long screw in each door hinge. This one step alone will deter or prevent most through-the-door forced entries. You and your family will sleep safer in the future.

Sliding-Glass Patio Doors

Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not locks. They are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of these inherently defective latch mechanisms. This can be easily be prevented by inserting a wooden dowel or stick into the track thus preventing or limiting movement. Other blocking devices available are metal fold-down blocking devices called “charley bars” and various track-blockers that can be screwed down.

The blocking devices described above solve half the equation. Older sliding glass doors can be lifted up and off their track and thereby defeat the latch mechanism. To prevent lifting, you need to keep the door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted. You can also install anti-lift devices such as a pin that extends through both the sliding and fixed portion of the door. There are also numerous locking and blocking devices available in any good quality hardware store that will prevent a sliding door from being lifted or forced horizontally. Place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification is in place. Burglars dislike alarm systems and definitely big barking dogs.

• Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors
• Keep the latch mechanism in good condition and properly adjusted
• Keep sliding door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted
• Use anti-lift devices such as through-the-door pins or upper track screws
• Use highly visible alarm decals, beware of dog decals or block watch decal

Windows

Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window, visible from the street or alley, may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins for obvious reasons. Upper floor windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence, or by climbing on balconies. Windows have latches, not locks and therefore should have secondary blocking devices to prevent sliding them open from the outside. Inexpensive wooden dowels and sticks work well for horizontal sliding windows and through-the-frame pins work well for vertical sliding windows. For ventilation, block the window open no more than six inches and make sure you can’t reach in from the outside and remove the blocking device or reach through and unlock the door.

In sleeping rooms, these window blocking devices should be capable of being removed easily from the inside to comply with fire codes. Like sliding glass doors, anti-lift devices are necessary for ground level and accessible aluminum windows that slide horizontally. The least expensive and easiest method is to install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel to prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position. As a deterrent, place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification system is in place.

• Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices
• Block accessible windows open no more than 6 inches for ventilation
• Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window and unlock the door
• Make sure someone cannot reach inside the window and remove the blocking device
• Use anti-lift devices to prevent window from being lifted out
• Use crime prevention or alarm decals on ground accessible windows

Be a Good Neighbor

Good neighbors should look out for each other. Get to know your neighbors on each side of your home and the three directly across the street. Invite them into your home, communicate often, and establish trust. Good neighbors will watch out for your home or apartment when you are away, if you ask them. They can report suspicious activity to the police or to you while you are away. Between them, good neighbors can see to it that normal services continue in your absence by allowing vendors to mow your lawn or remove snow. Good neighbors can pick up your mail, newspapers, handbills, and can inspect the outside or inside of your home periodically to see that all is well. Good neighbors will occasionally park in your driveway to give the appearance of occupancy while you are on vacation.

Allowing a neighbor to have a key solves the problem of hiding a key outside the door. Experienced burglars know to look for hidden keys in planter boxes, under doormats, and above the ledge. Requiring a service vendor to see your neighbor to retrieve and return your house key will send the message that someone is watching. This neighborhood watch technique sets up what is called territoriality which means that your neighbors will take ownership and responsibility for what occurs in your mini-neighborhood. This concept works in both single family homes communities and on apartment properties. This practice helps deter burglaries and other crimes in a big way. Of course for this to work, you must reciprocate and offer the same services.

• Get to know all your adjacent neighbors
• Invite them into your home and establish trust
• Agree to watch out for each other’s home
• Do small tasks for each other to improve territoriality
• While on vacation – pick up newspapers, and flyers
• Offer to occasionally park your car in their driveway
• Return the favor and communicate often

Lighting

Interior lighting is necessary to show signs of life and activity inside a residence at night. A darken home night-after-night sends the message to burglars that you are away on a trip. Light timers are inexpensive and can be found everywhere. They should be used on a daily basis, not just when you’re away. In this way you set up a routine that your neighbors can observe and will allow them to become suspicious when your normally lighted home becomes dark. Typically, you want to use light-timers near the front and back windows with the curtains closed. The pattern of lights turning on and off should simulate actual occupancy. It’s also comforting not to have to enter a dark residence when you return home. The same light timers can be used to turn on radios or television sets to further enhance the illusion of occupancy.

Exterior lighting is also very important. It becomes critical if you must park in a common area parking lot or underground garage and need to walk to your front door. The purpose of good lighting is to allow you to see if a threat or suspicious person is lurking in your path. If you can see a potential threat in advance then you at least have the choice and chance to avoid it. Exterior lighting needs to bright enough for you to see 100-feet and it helps if you can identify colors. Good lighting is definitely a deterrent to criminals because they don’t want to be seen or identified.

Another important area to be well-lighted is the perimeter of your home or apartment especially at the entryway. Exterior lighting on the front of a property should always be on a timer to establish a routine and appearance of occupancy at all times. Common area lighting on apartment properties should also be on a timer or photo-cell to turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. The practice of leaving the garage or porch lights turned on all day on a single family home is a dead giveaway that you are out of town. Exterior lighting at the rear of a home or apartment are usually on a switch because of the proximity to the sleeping rooms. The resident can choose to leave these lights on or off. Security lights with infra-red motion sensors are relatively inexpensive and can easily replace an exterior porch light or side door light on single family homes. The heat-motion sensor can be adjusted to detect body heat and can be programmed to reset after one minute. These security lights are highly recommended for single family homes.

• Use interior light timers to establish a pattern of occupancy
• Exterior lighting should allow 100- feet of visibility
• Use good lighting along the pathway and at your door
• Use light timers or photo-cells to turn on/off lights automatically
• Use infra-red motion sensor lights on the rear of single family homes

Alarm Systems

Alarm systems definitely have a place in a home security plan and are effective, if used properly. The reason why alarms systems deter burglaries is because they increase the potential and fear of being caught and arrested by the police. The deterrent value comes from the alarm company lawn sign and from the alarm decals on the windows. Home and apartment burglars will usually bypass a property with visible alarm signs and will go to another property without such a sign. Some people, with alarm systems, feel that these signs and decals are unsightly and will not display them. The risk here is that an uninformed burglar might break a window or door and grab a few quick items before the police can respond. Also, don’t write your alarm passcode on or near the alarm keypad.

Alarm systems need to be properly installed and maintained. Alarms systems can monitor for fire as well as burglary for the same price. All systems should have an audible horn or bell to be effective in case someone does break in. However, these audible alarms should be programmed to reset automatically after one or two minutes. The criminal got the message and will be long gone but your neighbors will have to listen to the alarm bell, sometimes for hours, until it is shut off. If you use a central station to monitor your alarm, make sure your response call list is up to date. Home alarms, like car alarms, are generally ignored except for a brief glance. However, if you have established and nurtured your neighborhood watch buddy system, you will experience a genuine concern by your neighbor. It is not unusual to have a neighbor wait for the police, allow them inside for an inspection, and secure the residence. A good neighbor can also call the glass company or locksmith to repair any damage, if pre-authorized by you.

The greatest barrier getting to this level of neighborhood participation is taking the first step. You can get help by calling your local crime prevention unit at the police department. Most police departments in large cities have neighborhood watch coordinators to help you set this up. You should invite your adjacent neighbors over to your home for coffee and begin the information exchange. You’ll be amazed how the process runs on automatic from there.

• Alarm systems are effective deterrents with visible signage
• Alarm systems to be properly installed, programmed, and maintained
• Alarm systems need to have an audible horn or bell to be effective
• Make sure your alarm response call list is up to date
• Instruct your neighbor how to respond to an alarm bell

Home Safes

Since the prices of good home safes are falling, having a safe in your home is a wise investment. Home safes are designed to keep the smash and grab burglar, nosey kids, dishonest babysitter or housekeeper from gaining access to important documents and personal property. Home safes need to be anchored into the floor or permanent shelving.

• Use the safe everyday so it becomes routine
• Protect the safe code and change it occasionally
• Install it away from the master bedroom or closet

Should you need any more advice please feel free to contact us here at Poole Locksmiths.

In Roman times the 1st locks to made of metal appeared, they were designed with different shapes and even the keys used were made with designs.However they were rather easily picked by thieves at the time.In order to be accepted into the locksmith guild you had to provide a working lock & key.However due to the rampant level of corruption in the guilds locks were merely displayed and not used.Needless to say there was very little advancement made as to security.

During the 1940′s with the onset of World War 2 a locksmith specialist became priceless.Many were drafted into military service, while the few who weren’t continued to work as usual.Of course they were focused primarily on the war effort.Today’s modern locksmiths have to have skills in mechanics,electronics,&metal work.They sell, install, repair & maintain locks.They are also in the business of making copies of keys, replacing a lost key,opening a lock when needed and rekeying a lock that has lost its key.As society moves ahead in the 21st century it will be interesting to see how locksmithing evolves to continue to keep people & property safe.

The things to look for in a good quality alarm system are self evident. A good quality alarm system will allow individuals to program the keypad from anywhere in the home. This is done with a wireless remote. Users are able to arm and disarm their alarm system instantly, and without delay. High quality systems also use infrared technology. Infrared detects motion and movements. If a intruder is nearby in the house or out on the property they will be noticed by the infrared system. A quality alarm system will also notify the installing company of any alerts that arises from the property, The installing company will be able to call the customer back, or send out the appropriate authorities.

Some alarm systems are only good for protecting your home from burglary. These are the cheaper ones that usually have no other noticeable features. They usually have a key entry pad that is attached by wires or sensors. They are designed to alert the owner when a door opens or a window is a jar. These types of alarms are very basic and usually cost very little. It is wasteful to spend money on a system that does not provide all the necessities of life sustaining features. If someone in the home is ill, or has fallen down, and can’t get up medical monitoring would assist the victim by alerting the police department, or any other emergency personnel. Two way speakers are also part of a quality alarm system. The system works like a two way communicator. The victim is able to communicate for help and the company is able to verbally respond. This is one of the greatest life saving features that is needed especially for the elderly, and for those who live alone. Disasters happen everyday that’s why it pays to buy the best.

Statistically the lowest crime areas in the Poole and Bournemouth areas of Dorset exist within Dorset County as of September 2008. Bournemouth experienced the 2nd highest amount the South West counties while Poole was the 6th highest. In addition there was an increase in all key offences in Bournemouth during August and September of 2008. The key offences that comprise these statistics include the following:

• Violence against a person
• Sexual offences
• Robbery
• Burglaries
• Theft including theft from vehicles
• Auto theft
• Vandalism
• Fraud and forgery
• Drug offences

How important is it for those interested in real estate to choose the lowest crime areas in the Poole and Bournemouth areas? The answer to that question depends a great deal on what they are seeking. No one is going to move to an area that has a high crime rate if they have other options. With Dorset County have the lowest crime rate, it paints a very positive picture for those wishing to move into the area. On the other hand, Poole has better statistics than Bournemouth in terms of the overall crime rate.

It is certainly a good idea to research the towns and municipalities with the lowest crime areas in Poole and Bournemouth before you make a final decision. Crime statistics are available online, which allows anyone interested in the area to read the latest available statistics and make the decision that is right for him or her. You do want to remember to look for not only the overall crime statistics but also the lowest crime statistics in the Poole and Bournemouth areas on an individual basis as well.