Setting the Home Security Standard as the Clocks Go Back

by Carl Wing | Oct 21, 2020 | News

As the nights get darker, it’s essential for more awareness around home security and the measures which can be taken to help prevent any unwanted attacks on homes. The dark winter months bring revenue opportunities for locksmiths, with homeowners investing in new home security products.

Darker Nights

Comprehensive and adaptable home security has never been so important, there were more than 350,000 domestic burglaries in England and Wales in the year ending March 20201, with November being the most common month for home break-ins2.

Many UK homeowners haven’t made the necessary security precautions to their home as required, and according to research from Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch3, even though more than half (51%) of UK adults have been a victim of burglary and/or attempted burglary, more than two fifths (44%) have not taken any measures to protect the property they live in.

As the nights get longer, it’s important to raise awareness around the significance of surveying current home security and what investments would be beneficial. The security campaign National Home Security Month takes place each year throughout October. Now in its eighth year, the initiative highlights the ways homeowners can keep their homes, families and possessions safe as the days get shorter – providing the ideal opportunity for trusted tradespeople to install necessary home security measures.

When it comes to security, homeowners are willing to spend more to ensure that their homes are securely protected. As a tradesperson it’s important that you are offering the highest quality security products and sound advice, to guarantee your customers are receiving the most effective solutions.

There are many vulnerable areas around the home which are often overlooked by homeowners. When advising a customer or conducting a home security survey, it would be beneficial to take note of these locations around the home, to suggest security changes which should be made, and the required standards for different products.

Here are some top considerations to take into account when surveying the security of a home:

Internal:         

• Ensure good quality windows and doors are fitted with appropriate locks. This is especially important for the more easily accessible ground floor windows and doors, such as patio doors.
• If the door handles are starting to become loose, they need upgrading. To achieve maximum security, ensure the handle is TS007 2-star rating and combine it with a 1-star or higher rated cylinder.
• As lock snapping continues to be a threat, the quality of the lock cylinders is more important than ever. Check that the cylinders are rated at TS007 3-star Kitemark, endorsed by Secured By Design, like the 3 Star Euro cylinder lock, which provides anti snap lock protection for the property.
• If there are external wooden doors in the home, make sure the nightlatch is working correctly and that a 5 lever mortice lock approved to standard BS3621 is fitted. If a 3-lever design is already installed, the homeowner may consider upgrading to a 5-lever mortice lock. This may also ensure they comply with insurance requirements. Products such as door bolts offer up sell opportunities and ensure the customer is securing their door the best they can.
• Is extra security required in the home? Door chains can add protection against opportunists, whereas a letterplate restrictor can help prevent against letterbox fishing, a common tactic used to obtain car keys.
• If their lock requires an upgrade, they may be interested in investing in a smart lock, such as the Yale Keyless Lock or the Conexis L1 Smart Lock which meets the smart lock BSI standard TS621:2018.
• Does the home have an alarm system? Whether it be smart, or a more traditional wired system, a home alarm system can act as an efficient deterrent to any potential burglars. Smart alarms also have the added ability to be controlled remotely via smart phones or tablets.
• Indoor cameras provide a low cost, effective solution to monitoring the interior of a home. They can be used as stand alone cameras or part of an integrated system, strategically placed to allow homeowners to keep a close eye on their valuables and most prized possessions. Smart cameras also have the added benefit of sending an alert to the smart phone or tablet of the owner if motion is detected around their home. Pet sensors are ideal for pet owners wishing to avoid their furry friends setting off alerts.

External:

• Does the property have a shed or garage? Sheds and garages can often be filled with expensive tools and equipment. A standalone alarm can be useful for alerting the homeowners to any unusual activity in the shed. A padlock which is CEN 4 rated and tested to EN12320:2012 can provide maximum security and withstand the toughest weather conditions.
• As gates can provide easy access for burglars to outside areas, security measures for these areas are essential. A weatherproof high security hasp and maximum or high security padlock, which is also weatherproof, can provide a high level of security and help to protect and access to the back of the house.
• Is there a large outdoor area which needs to be monitored? A CCTV system will allow the homeowner to keep track of their external home security, and act as a deterrent to a potential intruder. A smart CCTV system also enables them to check parameters from their smartphone or tablet and night vision captures any activity that takes place under the cover of darkness

For the latest campaign information on National Home Security Month search for National Home Security Month on Facebook and Twitter (#NHSM20), or visit www.homesecuritymonth.com

1 ONS: https://www.ons.gov.uk

2 Co-op Insurance: https://www.co-operative.coop/prime-time-for-burglaries-yet-a-fifth-of-victims-dont-call-the-police

For a quotation or advice on any of the above Please call Carl at 1st Security or use our contact form Here.

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by Carl Wing | Aug 11, 2020 | News

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by Carl Wing | Aug 11, 2020 | News

Codelocks’ expanding product range opens up new uses for digital and smart locks

by Carl Wing | Apr 20, 2020 | News

Codelocks has been designing digital locks for over 15 years, and in 2019 was declared Keyless Entry Company of the Year by the National Locksmith Awards. In recent years, it has been adding smart locks to its growing range, combining the convenience of keyless operation with the extra control and functionality afforded by smart technology.

Its latest addition to the KitLock by Codelocks range is the KL1100 RFID. It is designed for lockers and cabinets, and highlights many of the advantages afforded by digital locks. With Remote Card Authorisation (RCA), a facilities manager can remotely manage cards from a computer using the Codelocks Card Management Client software (CCMC) and up to 250 locks within a lock group.

The KL1100 is suitable for both private and public lockers. In Private Function mode, the lock can only be opened with a card that has been registered with that lock – either by using the CCMC software or a standalone keypad programmer that can be bought separately. This gives staff or customers convenient and secure access to their own private locker. In Public Function mode, an operator can lock the KL1100 with any compatible card, and then unlock it with the same card. It is then ready for the next user – an ideal solution for shared facilities such as gyms and leisure centres.

Added features of the KL1100 include a block card and an audit card. The block card allows a facilities manager to quickly block and unblock users from accessing specific locks, while the audit card lets them easily upload a lock’s audit data to the CCMC platform. The KL1100 can also be set to open after a set period of time. This is useful for ensuring fair use where there is heavy demand for a limited supply of lockers. And for situations where extra security is required, there is a Dual Authorisation mode, where two authorised users must present a card to open the lock.

Codelocks also recently introduced its new Access range of standalone door controllers, opening up the benefits of keyless and digital locks for a wider range of applications. The card controlled A3 RFID, keypad controlled A3 Dual and A3 Vandal Resist door controllers are ideal for situations where doors and gates are locked magnetically or with electric strikes. One handy built-in feature of the Access range is the panic code or panic card. In the event of a client being forced to open a door against their will, they can enter a unique code, or present a unique card, which allows entry but also triggers an alarm. This functionality is an example of the way Codelocks designs its locks around the end user’s needs, always looking to provide the right solution for the customer.

When Porsche Centre Preston was looking for an adaptable, easy-to-use access control system, enabling its staff to easily programme locks accordingly for employee and customer access, the CL5500 smart lock range fitted the bill perfectly.

Codelocks’ Smart Locks range offers the ultimate in flexibility and control. These benefits are important for Porsche Centre, as it is able to restrict access to certain areas quickly and efficiently, ensuring cars and equipment are always secure. It also helps to reduce the operational costs of hiring a security service, and assists with the management of visitor, staff and delivery driver access.

Paul Pasquali, Group Operations Manager at Porsche Centre Preston explains, “As a prestige automotive retailer, the business needs an access control system that offers the utmost peace of mind. The unique entry codes, design of the lock and the ability to control access at certain times is very beneficial to us, especially as the vehicles and equipment on site are of such high value.”

Codelocks’ Smart Locks utilise wireless technology giving users the ability to connect remotely and choose between pushbutton code, smart card or smartphone access. NetCode is Codelocks smart way to generate and send codes for easy access. Through Codelocks online NetCode portal or via the Codelocks Application Programming Interface (API), you can create codes that have a specified start date, time and duration that will automatically expire. By automating code generation, the need for onsite staff is dramatically reduced. Businesses can recognise new levels of convenience without compromising on security.

Abloy launches mobile digital key and extremely weatherproof Bluetooth padlock

by Carl Wing | Apr 20, 2020 | News