sales@cornwalllocksmiths.com

01209 843862

07970 796795

Your security is our business
A simple way to enhance vehicle security

A simple way to enhance vehicle security

by | Mar 15, 2018 | News

Theft of tools or cargo from vans is all too common an occurrence. It’s not just a matter of replacing the items that have been stolen – van break-ins can leave people unable to work, behind on their schedules, losing contracts and facing higher insurance costs.

Vehicle manufacturers are improving security on their latest models, but there are huge numbers of vans and light goods vehicles on the road which have inadequate protection. You’ll see vans out there with clumsy hasps and padlocks which offer only a mild deterrent but plenty of hassle for the driver.

Smart and practical

New to the UK is the Vanlock, a universal auxiliary lock developed by Czech security specialists Tokoz®. The beauty of the Vanlock is that it can be retrofitted to almost any rear or sliding vehicle door. It’s practical with a dual slam-latching and locking action, which means the driver isn’t constantly fumbling for keys or risking things by leaving the vehicle unlocked ‘for a minute’. That slam-locking technology is backed up by an internal emergency escape toggle. Vanlock is purpose made for the job, strong and corrosion resistant with stainless steel components and a Makrolon® cylinder cover. It’s available in black or white, to suit most vehicle livery or fleet colour schemes.

The Vanlock utilises a euro profile single cylinder so they can be masterkeyed into an existing Tigris master keyed system, they can be keyed alike or simply keyed to differ. For those operating a fleet or working in situations where varying security levels are required, the Vanlock can be part of a larger fleet master-key system.

And there’s more

With vehicle security a major issue, Vanlock is sure to be a hit, but it is only part of a wider range of Tokoz® security products that are now available in the UK. Recognising the need to secure larger moveable domestic and personal items such as wheelie bins and motor bikes to even larger industrial equipment such as cement mixers, Tokoz® has introduced the X SAFETY BOX range. This too is locked with a euro profile insert cylinder, allowing these locks to be included as part of a wider home or business master key system.

The new Tokoz® Vanlock and X SAFETY BOX range are available in the UK exclusively from security experts Access2. To find out more call +44 (0) 191 215 0530.

#FSBConnect Cornwall at ExpoWest – Sustainability tips to save you money

by | Feb 19, 2018 | News

We are delighted to announce that Gill Pipkin is our guest speaker for this event. Along with our usual organised networking, Gill will be talking about how using sustainable practises in business can be beneficial to the bottom line and to getting new customers. Being “green” isn’t just for environmental campaigners, it is a real business issue and can also be used to great advantage when you know how. Gill is going to tell us how this means saving or even making money, gaining more customers and having a better business. You will also have free access to the Expowest Cornwall exhibition, an opportunity to network with their attendees and stand-holders before their gates open at 10am.

Across the UK there are thousands of businesses just like you looking to make new connections. To help local businesses, we host regular FSB Connect networking events #FSBConnect. These are high quality, face to face networking events that provide great opportunities, new contacts and business information in an enjoyable and relaxed format. There will be plenty of time to mingle with other attendees and the opportunity to circulate any promotional literature and business cards.

The next event is Thursday 8 March
BOOK NOW

Electronic access control – your flexible friend

Electronic access control – your flexible friend

by | Dec 26, 2017 | News

Smart technology is playing an increasingly central role in both business and private lives and the digital revolution is making its way into the locks business.  Once the preserve of commercial offices or large multiple occupancy buildings, affordable electronic door locks are becoming more popular as a “smart” security solution for both homes and businesses.

The days of forgetting to lock the door, leaving keys in the door or locking them inside the house can be a thing of the past for customers by fitting the latest in smart locking technology.

Customer’s access control needs can vary widely, from just a few users of one lock in a residential or small business property, through to ever changing multiple users of multiple locks in a large commercial facility or hotel.  The rise in popularity of short term home/holiday letting has led to a greater demand for flexible multiple access systems that allow the owner to quickly and easily change access rights, often at a distance from the property itself.

ENTRY easy 5601 PINCODE

Ever at the forefront of security product innovation Burg-Wächter continues to develop the latest in electronic door locking systems that adapt to customers’ changing lifestyles.  Customers won’t want to pay for capability beyond their needs, so rather than producing a one size fits all system, Burg-Wächter has created a range of three tailorable systems which together cover all of the most popular installations.

Open sesame

secuENTRY 5702 Fingerprint

Most electronic door locks come with one or more means of entry, such as keypad, biometric (fingerprint), Bluetooth or RFID.  The entry level “secuENTRY Easy” system combines keypad, biometric fingerprint reader and Bluetooth technologies into one easy to use system.  The illuminated keypad is programmable with up to 50 different users with a choice of one million different codes for high levels of security.  There is also the option to include a biometric finger scanner, capable of recognising up to 24 different prints for added convenience.

The keypad provides IP65 weatherproof protection against dust and water, making it ideal for doors inside and out. T he power of Bluetooth allows the lock to be activated via the Burg-Wächter smartphone app, which is available on both Android and iOS.

ENTRY 5750 Software

At the top of the range, the “secuENTRY Pro” is a fully scalable version of “secuENTRY” that has been specifically designed for hotels and larger commercial installations with up to 2,000 users.  Dedicated management software allows time controlled access across multiple locks and is compatible with fully automated payment and check in/out systems.  The last 2,000 events are also recorded and viewable, which is useful for security auditing requirements.
Offering all the functions of the “secuENTRY Easy” system, the next step up is the “secuENTRY” professional installation system, ideally suited for locksmiths.  The stylish compact cylinder adds the flexibility of RFID access in the shape of passive transponder key fob.

Easy installation

One of the biggest deterrents for customers thinking of switching to electronic door locks is the expense and inconvenience of having to change the whole locking mechanism including the housing.  Burg-Wächter’s “secuENTRY” ranges overcome this hurdle as the cylinder is designed to be a direct replacement for standard Euro cylinders, cutting installation time and cost by leaving the existing lock housing in place.  The length of the electronic cylinder is adjustable up to 59/59mm, making it suitable for a wide range of door thicknesses up to 130mm.

Another installation consideration is power, which can be particularly challenging to route to the inside of the door.  All “secuENTRY” systems avoid this issue as both the keypad and cylinder are battery powered, and have a wireless operating range of up to 4m.  Once activated, the electronics release the locking mechanism inside the cylinder allowing the knob to be turned manually.  This method of opening the door keeps power consumption to a minimum, meaning that depending on setup, the system has a battery life of up to four years.

More police officers now than half a century ago

More police officers now than half a century ago

by | Nov 24, 2017 | News

The police today have more officers per capita than in the 1960s – challenging claims that they are understaffed, figures show.

Despite claims that forces are struggling to cope, analysis of Home Office data shows that in 1961 there were 807 people for every police officer in England and Wales, whereas the most recent figures, released earlier this month in a House of Commons briefing paper, show that there are now 462 people for every officer.

Several police forces, as well as the police watchdog HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, have said that recent cuts have left forces struggling to function properly.

The police were criticised for poor performance last week as the Daily Telegraph’s data analysis showed that nine in ten burglaries were left unsolved.

The Metropolitan Police has also said that it would no longer look into lower-level crime as a result of spending cuts.

Meanwhile they have come under fire for awareness-raising stunts such as officers painting their nails to highlight modern slavery.

The figures, which appeared in the Mail on Sunday, suggest that police numbers compare favourably with previous decades.

Police numbers rose during the 1980s and early 1990s, before falling to a 10-year low at the end of the 1990s and rising sharply in the early 2000s.

They have been dropping again since 2009, when they had reached a high of 141,647.

There are distinct differences between crime levels of 1961 and today. In 1961, 806,900 crimes were committed whereas ONS data shows that 5.2 million crimes were recorded this year, a 13 per cent rise from the year before.

A briefing paper published ahead of the London 2012 Olympics shows that crime per 100,000 people rose sharply during the 1960s.

An average of one million crimes per year was recorded during that decade, rising to two million during the 1970s and 3.5m in the 1980s.

More recently, according to the crime survey for England and Wales, crime peaked in 1995 and has been falling since although police recorded crime has risen in recent years.

Previous analysis of rising crime data has suggested that it can be partly attributed to changes in the way it is recorded, as well as the criminalisation of drug use and the rising value of people’s possessions and property.

The National Police Chief’s Council highlighted that the police are dealing with different crimes now than they were 50 years ago.

A spokesman said: “Policing in 2017 is very different to in the 1960s. We are dealing with an unprecedented terror threat, police recorded crime is up 13 per cent and forces are dealing with more complex, resource-intensive crime like modern slavery, child sexual exploitation, cybercrime and online fraud.

“Our mission is also wider, acting as the service of last resort for people who have fallen through the gaps of other services as well as providing effective local policing. We are meeting these challenges with officer numbers at same level as they were in 1985.”

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, Nick Hurd, said: “We are clear that all crimes reported to the police should be taken seriously, investigated and, where appropriate, taken through the courts and met with tough sentences.

“This Government protected overall police funding in real terms since the 2015 Spending Review and maintained that protection in a fair funding deal this year.

“The independent Crime Survey for England and Wales – acknowledged by the ONS as our best measure of long term crime trends experienced by individuals and families, shows a substantial fall of nine per cent, in the year ending June 2017 and 38 per cent since June 2010.”

Figures also show that since 2010, the proportion of officers working at the frontline has increased and is currently at more than 93 per cent.

The Home Office has previously said that according to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary there is “considerable scope to improve efficiency.”

MLA trade exhibition proves to be “the best yet”

by | Oct 30, 2017 | News

The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has reported record attendance at its trade exhibition for the locksmithing and physical security industry.

The bi-annual event, which was staged earlier this month in Halls 1 & 2 of the International Centre in Telford, had a footfall of 2,309 visitors – 50.3% up on the previous expo in 2015.

In addition, 393 staff from 106 exhibitors from all over the world, including China, Russia and New Zealand were also at the event to showcase the latest security products and services, as well as having a chance to discuss industry trends and take part in training courses.

The attendance figures, provided by third party visitor registration company QRS, show that MLA Expo, which was being held for the 19th time, was not only the biggest and most successful MLA Expo since it was first held 35 years ago, but, according to some visitors is now the largest trade exhibition for the locksmithing industry in the world.

MLA Managing Director Dr Steffan George said: “We were expecting Expo to be big; having taken the step of expanding in to 2 halls we were delighted with the number of exhibitors who signed up seeing the show completely sold out. The key however is of course getting visitors there, and with 700 visitors walking through the doors within the first 3 hours of the show being open, we were ecstatic to get excellent feedback from exhibitors who couldn’t believe how busy the show was.

“Joining up with our colleagues at the Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA) and creating “The Garage”; the area dedicated to auto locksmithing where all auto related suppliers were based seemed to work really well.

“Class leading training continued to be available at the show and will no doubt have attracted a lot of people to visit. Training at this year’s event included safe lock picking, lock decoding and picking, social media marketing, “how to think like a burglar” (to improve surveying skills), vehicle locks & cloning, electronics, access control and abrasive wheel certification to name but a few.

“MLA Expo is a truly global exhibition involving people from across the wider locksmithing industry, and that was proved once again. Total overseas visitor numbers almost doubled, splitting this down further, just over 90% more visitors came from Europe as did in 2015. It provides a fantastic opportunity for locksmith and security companies and professionals from around the world to come together, network and find out about the latest innovations in the industry. It is the perfect occasion for manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their products and services, network, share knowledge and make new contacts.

“Feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike was phenomenal, with a number commenting on how it had been their best show ever. This sort of feedback makes all the hard work involved in putting the show together worthwhile. We’d like to thank all the exhibitors, Expo sponsors Brisant Secure, Garage Sponsors Silca, our friends and colleagues at the ALA, all the tutors and most of all everyone who visited. We look forward to announcing details for MLA Expo ’19 shortly.”

3 awards were given out at the MLA Expo; Best Stand was won by APECS, Most Creative Stand was won by Burg Wächter whilst Best Product was won by Sashstop, as judged by MLA board members who are working locksmiths. Our heartfelt congratulations go to them all on their well-deserved win.

The event also saw a Gala Dinner arranged by MLA Board Member Terry Watts on the
Saturday night, with a mix of a pre-dinner drinks reception, excellent food and entertainment with a great time being had by all.

The MLA’s charity raffle also took place with prizes very kindly donated by Brisant Secure, Aldridge Security, ABUS, Abloy, Burton Safes and Keyprint. Thanks to them and the generosity of those in attendance £3100 was raised for the charity of choice of the event which was Cancer Research. Pictures can be found below of the prize donors getting their certificate of recognition.

Numerous Industry awards were also given out at the dinner. Firstly the ALA gave a special award to Tim Hart in recognition for all the work he put in to help with the event. Ron Cliff was next up being awarded honorary membership of the MLA thanks to his significant contribution to the association over the years. Sid Owen was then announced as the winner of the Nigel Rose Bowl due to him having had the best BLI Exam results during the previous year. The final award was the Chubb Award; this most prestigious and well recognised award within the industry is bestowed by the board of directors of the MLA on the person they feel has done the most to further the locksmithing profession in the previous year. The recipient in 2017 was John Harding, somebody who has not only served as a board director of both the MLA and Sold Secure, but is current secretary of MLA London Region and has toured the country training on the vital H&S aspects of working with abrasive wheels.

UNION launches FastLatch

UNION launches FastLatch

by | Jul 24, 2017 | News

UNION, part of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, a division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, has launched the FastLatch, a new range of push fit tubular latches and privacy bolts.

Designed with a stylish and modern appearance for interior doors, FastLatch is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to install due to its revolutionary round forend, reducing installation time and offering a professional finish.

Available in a choice of three high quality finishes – polished chrome, polished brass and satin nickel, FastLatch is supplied with both round and square corner strike options, enabling a quick and simple installation or retrofit.

FastLatch has been tested to 800,000 closing cycles, to ensure it lasts for decades of residential use, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

Karen Hubbard, Mortice ­Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, said: “FastLatch is a perfect fit for modern living, offering a stylish finish for interior doors. As well as meeting aesthetic needs, the FastLatch is simple to install, saving time for installers. FastLatch represents the quality, reliability and ease of installation that is expected of a UNION product.”

For further information, please visit www.uniononline.co.uk/fastlatch or contact the UNION sales team on 0845 223 2124. You can also like UNION’s Facebook page or follow on Twitter.