It’s that time of year again when we are all getting excited about our upcoming holidays. However, it is also a time to think about security while we are away, both for our homes and our holiday locations.
So let’s have a reminder of some basics for our home.
Make sure a neighbour puts your bins out and brings them in on the usual days. Nothing screams empty house more than bins out front days after the bin men have been.
If you trust someone enough, let them operate blinds and curtains for you.
Virtual assistants can be programmed to switch lights and other devices on and off at various times giving the impression that someone is home (don’t forget daytimes as burglars do just as much during the day).
Decent door cams will capture anyone checking out your property within their view. And you can watch in real time from your holiday location. Interior cameras are cheap and easy to install these days so you can trust someone to do those curtains and keep an eye on them when they do so they don’t get tempted to nose through your belongings.
And a few helpers for while you are away.
If you are driving somewhere, take both car keys and leave one at your holiday destination when you go out. That way, when you lose your key in the water, on a long walk, or shut it in the boot, you won’t have to spend a large part of your holiday budget paying a locksmith to get you out of trouble.
Put wallets, valuables, etc, in a different pocket than you normally would. This way you are more likely to feel it when a pick pocket attempts to take something. I have first hand experience that this works.
While walking with bags, keep the strap on the shoulder furthest from the road to avoid scooter grabs.
Carrying valuables in a cross body bag across your front may not be flattering, but it makes life just a bit more difficult for those trying to steal.
Like your designer goods? So do thieves. The more you advertise your commitment to big labels, the more you tell snatchers the risk of picking your pocket or snatching your bag will be worth it. It’s not worth it and less people than you think agree that you look cool over ridiculous.
Phones are the easiest grab, so beware if you are walking along using Google Maps to find your restaurant. Watch out for opportunists.
Take apartment keys with you. Many people leave dial keysafes on the number that opens them. It doesn’t take thieves a lot of effort to learn the codes and most owners do not change codes often enough. Leaving your keys in the keysafe while you are out might seem sensible to avoid accidental loss, but you might as well leave the door unlocked.
The Importance of Changing Locks When You Move House
Why Replacing Your Locks Should Be a Top Priority After Relocating
Moving House? Don’t Forget to Change Your Locks
Moving into a new home is an exciting time, marked by new beginnings and fresh opportunities. Amidst the flurry of unpacking boxes, decorating rooms, and meeting new neighbours, one crucial task often slips down the to-do list: changing the locks on your new property. While it might seem like a minor detail, replacing the locks is a vital step in ensuring your family’s safety and peace of mind.
Security Starts at the Door
When you receive the keys to your new house, you can’t be certain how many copies exist or who might still have access. Previous owners, tenants, estate agents, cleaners, or even tradespeople could have keys that open your doors. By changing the locks, you take control of your home’s security from the very start, ensuring that only those you trust have access. I have lost count of the times that workers doing long jobs like extensions or renovations, lose keys. If you hand your key over to a tradesperson for an extended period, you simply don’t know if they or one of their employees makes a copy. Always give them a key to a minor use door if possible and change the lock once they have finished the work.
Peace of Mind for Your New Chapter
There’s nothing quite like the reassurance of knowing you’re the only keyholder. Changing the locks eliminates any risk of unwanted visitors and allows you to settle into your new home with confidence. The last thing you want during your first night in a new place is uncertainty over who might be able to let themselves in unannounced. I have actually known this to happen. After six months in their new house, a couple came home to find a neighbour looking around. The neighbour explained she had a key from the previous owner and was concerned because she had been watching the new owners and they had not returned at their normal time.
Insurance and Legal Considerations
Many home insurance policies require evidence of forced entry to cover burglary claims. If a break-in occurs and the thief uses an old key, you may find yourself ineligible for compensation. By replacing the locks, you not only protect your belongings but also ensure your insurance remains valid and effective. There are also an incredible number of older properties that simply do not have insurance rated locks. It is always best to seek professional advice. Many people confuse the locking mechanism on a upvc door for a 5 lever lock as stated in insurance policies.
When Should You Change Locks?
Ideally, locks should be changed as soon as you move in – before you start bringing in valuables or spending the night. If you’re renting, check with your landlord about replacing the locks, and ensure you comply with the tenancy agreement. For homeowners, it’s a straightforward process that can often be done in a single afternoon. As a tenant, it is worth offering to pay for new locks if the landlord won’t do it. Legally, they don’t have to, but morally your landlord should change the locks for you. This is an allowable expense, so no-one loses out. If you are a home buyer and intend to have work done quite quickly, either leave the lock changing until after the work is done or ask your local locksmith if they have some 2nd hand locks that can go in temporarily before the main change further down the line.
Professional Help or DIY?
While some may feel comfortable changing locks themselves, hiring a professional locksmith guarantees the job is done correctly and to a high standard. A reputable locksmith can also advise on upgrading to more secure or modern locking systems, offering an added layer of protection against break-ins. You might want to discuss smart locks or just get some advice.
Don’t Overlook Windows and Outbuildings
It’s easy to focus on doors, but remember to check and, if necessary, change locks on windows, garages, sheds, and side gates. These entry points are just as important for your overall security. A comprehensive approach ensures no weak links in your home’s defenses. When you move in, check all windows have a lock and key and that they operate correctly. Getting everything done in one go will save the cost of repeat visits in the future.
Wndow shuts & mechanism cleaned & serviced
Final Thoughts
In the whirlwind of moving house, changing the locks might seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your loved ones and your possessions. By making this a priority, you’ll be able to enjoy your new home safe in the knowledge that you’re in control of who comes and goes.
After all, home is where you should always feel secure. Don’t leave it to chance—change your locks and start your new adventure the right way.
(OK, maybe not THE perfect Christmas present – but definitely something to think about!)
Practical, Thoughtful, and Full of Meaning
When it comes to choosing the perfect Christmas present, most of us find ourselves stuck between the latest gadgets, novelty jumpers, or a box of classic chocolates. But sometimes, the most memorable gifts are the ones we least expect. This year, why not consider breaking tradition and giving the gift of security, privacy, and peace of mind? Here’s why a lock could be the perfect Christmas present for your loved ones.
1. A Symbol of Security and Care
Christmas is all about showing the people in your life that you care. Gifting a lock—whether for a home, bicycle, locker, or suitcase—reflects your concern for their safety and well-being. It’s a gesture that quietly says, “I want you and your belongings to be safe,” and that’s a sentiment that will be appreciated long after the festivities are over.
2. A Practical Present They’ll Actually Use
Let’s be honest: how many presents end up collecting dust in a drawer by January? Unlike some novelty gifts, a lock is something people actually need. From safeguarding bikes on the daily commute to securing precious memories in a diary or jewellery box, a good lock is the gift that keeps on giving. With so many styles available—padlocks, smart locks, combination locks—there’s one to suit everyone’s needs.
3. Suitable for All Ages and Lifestyles
Locks are versatile gifts for all generations. Children might need a sturdy padlock for their school locker, while teenagers could use a lock for their gym bag. Adults will appreciate a reliable bike or door lock, and seasoned travellers will love a TSA-approved luggage lock. No matter the age or lifestyle, everyone has something worth protecting.
4. Encourages Good Habits
Giving a lock as a present isn’t just about the item itself—it’s about encouraging responsibility and good habits. For children and teens, it’s a gentle nudge towards looking after their possessions. For adults, it can be a timely reminder to update security, whether at home or on the move.
5. Personalisation Adds That Special Touch
Locks may seem utilitarian, but they can also be deeply personal. Many locks can be engraved with a name, a special date, or a message. Imagine the delight of receiving a padlock with a heartfelt engraving, perhaps to commemorate a special Christmas or a new home. It transforms a simple object into a keepsake.
6. Affordable Yet Meaningful
The festive season is not just about grand gestures; it’s the thought that counts. Locks are typically affordable, making them a brilliant choice for stocking fillers or Secret Santa gifts. Yet, their meaning runs deeper than their price tag, offering both practicality and sentiment in one neat package.
7. A Nod to Tradition (With a Modern Twist)
In some cultures, locks are exchanged as tokens of love and longevity—think of couples attaching padlocks to bridges as symbols of enduring affection. Gifting a lock this Christmas gives a nod to those traditions, while also embracing the latest in security technology, from fingerprint padlocks to smart door locks.
Conclusion
So, if you’re on the hunt for a Christmas present that’s practical, meaningful, and sure to be appreciated, look no further than a lock. It’s a gift that says “I care,” and offers peace of mind all year round. After all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
Smart locks are not exactly a new idea. They have been around for a good while now, but some operate on a latch type system built with the American customer in mind. It has been hard to find smart locks that meet British Insurance Standards and do not reduce your overall security.
The trouble with latch type locks is that there is an effortless way to bypass them called “slipping.” Unless you have an auto deadlocking latch with a British Standard Kite mark, your door should always have a second lock with a bolt that throws when you turn the key. Or you can have a mechanism that throws out all sorts of hooks and bolts when you lift the handle, and these have been especially hard to get decent smart locks for. You have been able to get handle sets with codes and proximity tags, but these have been expensive, work with limited mechanisms and prone to break downs.
So, I have been quietly watching a couple of brands for a couple of years. I have fitted these smart locks hesitantly keeping prepared for any early development issues. The wait has been worth it because the brands have improved quality and flexibility.
We now have smart locks that will work on all doors. UPVC, Wood or metal doors. You can open your doors via an app, a keypad, a fob, or your smart speaker.
Think of a disabled person who wants security but needs care. A combination of smart doorbell and smart lock linked to your favourite assistant device means the door can be locked, they can see who is coming to the door and decide whether to open it or not all without having to get up. If they have a fall, their emergency contact can open the door remotely, meaning ambulance crews do not have to wait for a locksmith to come or must smash a window to get in.
Keycodes
Holiday let owners can change keycodes more often, giving cleaners and workers secondary codes and guests a code that only lasts the duration of their stay. This can vastly reduce the situations where guests lose keys or lock them inside the property.
Landlords who really should change the locks with changes of tenants, can now simply change the code.
Small businesses can install locks and not have to worry about staff who leave and keep hold of keys.
There are many reasons to have smart locks. If you are interested, I can tailor a set up to your needs. There is no cost for a consultation and never any hard sell. Simply give me a call, send a text or an email. You can find the details of contact on my home page.
Lockdown key thoughts on home security
Lockdown key thoughts – As we enter another lockdown, home security might not be at the forefront of your mind, but be aware; Just yesterday, the delivery person for Amazon left two packages at my front door without so much as a knock or ring of the doorbell (four people in the house and no one heard a thing). Lockdown means we move to even more to on-line shopping and, despite the rules to have us stay at home, we are still doing school runs, grocery shopping and personal exercise. A package openly sat outside your front door may be enticing to an opportunist to make a quick grab. Please keep on top of your orders and if you can’t be in, talk to a neighbour to at least keep an eye out for the delivery. Don’t think asking the delivery driver to put the package in your unlocked shed is a good idea either. Sheds are one of the first places burglars look because the security is often extremely poor. Look in your local community paper for the police reports, sheds are often on the reports, with tools be stolen to make a quick turnaround at boot fairs, etc. Plus whatever other goodies you may have there.
The other place we do not secure enough is our garage. So many garages can be popped open with a single tool. And the locks are rarely difficult to pick for someone with a little time. We store so much in our garages these days, it hardly makes sense for the burglar to even bother with the house itself. Investing in a good garage door defender can make a huge difference. If you have lots of stuff in your garage, you should talk to your local locksmith today about better garage security.
CCTV is becoming ever more important for home security. A smart door cam will capture anyone approaching your front door whether they ring the bell or not. And if you are out, you can talk to the delivery person and tell them exactly where to put your package. HD, wireless smart cameras upload directly to the cloud, meaning no one can break in and then steal your recording device. They might not stop the thief but a combination of visible deterrents and smaller hidden cameras will get an image the police can use to convict the intruder.
Smart products continue to be ever more popular, but security and smart locks in the UK are a minefield. While most smart locks on the market may be fine for standards in countries like the USA, here in the UK our insurance quite rightly insists on locking and security products having a British Standard (BS) 3621 rating to show it has been tested against all the main attacks burglars use. Most smart locks do not reach this level and therefore buying a smart device without professional guidance may actually be making your security worse. That being said, there are now some excellent products for owners of second homes or holiday lets with limited access control that allows you to control who can access your property and when without the need for multiple keys or requiring guests to meet someone before they can start enjoying their holidays. As this is a tax deductible cost, there is nothing to stop you making sure your guests/traders/cleaners, etc have Covid safe entry to your property. If your local locksmith is not up to date with ways to do this, please message me and I can guide you to some excellent products.
Even safes are now going smart, with biometric options and attractive slim wall mounted safes that can be positioned at a level where people can get to them easily without having to get down low every time you want something. Many burglaries are facilitated by keys being left in the vicinity of the front door where they can be fished through the letter box. Having a wall mounted digital safe holding keys and a few other essentials, will cut down your chances of being attacked.
Smart alarm systems are more than just alerts that your home has been attacked. They can be tailored to incorporate smoke alarms, CO2 detectors and panic buttons. If you have an elderly relative and they have a fall, pressing a button on a remote around their neck auto dials pre-stored numbers until one picks up. They can then talk to you through the system, allowing you to asses the seriousness of the problem and decide on what action to take.
Home security is about looking more secure than your neighbours. If the burglar can see you are a harder target, they will seek easier pickings elsewhere. The cylinder of a traditional nightlatch (often called a “Yale”) and the cylinder of most UPVC doors can be picked in seconds by someone who is skilled enough. These locks are like magnets to the potential intruder, because they know the other ways to bypass these locks as well. Swapping these locks for visibly different anti-pick locks show the potential burglar that you mean business with your home security.
These are the standard barrels:
Nightlatch:
UPVC door barrel (Euro cylinder):
And now the visibly different, better nightlatch barrel:
And kite marked Euro cylinder:
There are some kite marked products that still employ the old style keys, but you have to get up close to see these are kite marked. The locks using “dimple cut” keys and similar, are visibly different, meaning the burglar can often see from the road that you have better locks, making him less likely to even set foot on your property. And yes, your local locksmith will charge you more for products than you can find on line or even in some shops, but he only has a van and can only carry limited stock. But you can trust that he does not want to come back for a recall, so he will make sure he only fits quality products.
It may be you are looking for improved security for you or your family, you may want them to be able to keep their independence, while having the safety net of being able to call you direct for help if they have a fall? You may need limited access solutions? Or you like the idea of a slim profile wall safe? Perhaps it would be easier for the emergency services to be given a code to unlock your frail relative’s door if you are not able to be near? If you have any questions regarding the above information, please get in touch via any of the methods on my contacts page.
Right now, video door cameras are being advertised heavily across the radio; The Ring system from America is making big strides into the UK market, but there is a British brand that is just as good. The ERA door cam looks a lot like its American cousin, but is made here and links into the ERA complete security system giving you the top rated wireless smart system in the country. With cloud-based storage for free initially, it really is the way to go? What are the Door Cam advantages?
But what do you actually get from a door cam? Well, for a start, you can answer your door from anywhere in the world, so if you are on holiday in Spain, and a delivery arrives, you can talk to the delivery person and tell him/her where to leave your parcel. The door cam will also automatically record anyone who comes within the field of vision, meaning you have a log of everyone who approaches your door whether they ring the bell or not, night or day. This means you can look back through files to see if any suspicious people are scouting your property for a later burglary. There is nothing to stop you fitting one of these door cams to your back door as well. One of the summer scams is that a decoy person will ring your front doorbell and distract you with some sales ploy while their accomplice will be ready to dive in your open back door and steal whatever they find. Having a door cam on the back door destroys their chances of doing this. Even if they damage the camera, it will have filmed them approaching and sent the images straight to the cloud.
There is another hidden advantage to the door cam. Increasingly, they seem to capture people doing silly things and the footage finds its way onto the internet. So, if you want to be an internet sensation, you can always fall over in front of your door cam!
Door cams are promoted as easy to install, but it very rarely goes as easy as expected. They do not tell you that you will be required to do some electrical wiring when hooking the bell up to your existing built in doorbell. If you don’t already have a mains powered doorbell, there are extras you will need to buy. Having your local locksmith install the door cam takes all the potential hassle out of the equation and guarantees every bit. A good local locksmith will do a free survey and quotation for you. It might cost a bit more, but it is a much easier approach.
AC Locksmiths Norfolk is proud to be an ERA recognised installer able to answer any questions you may have on this British product.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please get in touch via any of the methods on my contacts page.
The name ‘Smart locks’ applies to locks that can be opened with technology like your mobile phone and does away with the need for keys. They can be fingerprint activated, voice-activated or have keypads and sensor proximity tags, depending on the lock and how you want it to operate. Smart locks are a relatively new technology with new products appearing all the time.
What are the benefits?
Smart locks can offer controlled access to your home without having to hand out multiple keys, so they are great for people who have carers or home help and find it difficult to get to the door themselves. Teens are fantastic at losing their keys; I know of one unfortunate customer in Aylsham whose daughter got in with a bad crowd and was giving her key to unsavoury friends, who then stole from the property. Smart locks here could have quickly been re-coded to bar anyone who she did not want having independent access. Keypads and proximity tags save you from having to hunt in your bag for your keys. And some more and more are now connecting to home smart networks, which in turn, connect to your mobile phone. Connected to one of these systems with cameras and zone restricted alarms, you can be on holiday in Greece, sat by the pool and when the delivery you have been waiting for arrives, you can let the delivery driver put your parcel in your house, watch them leave and lock the door up behind them.
How secure are they?
This is where you really need your local locksmith. So many smart locks lose security for convenience. Many are latch type locks that are easy to bypass if you have the right tools and know-how. If you change your existing lock for a smart lock then you might be invalidating your insurance. Always consult your genuine local locksmith before making any purchase. They are used to the requirements of insurance companies and will be able to offer the best lock to suit your needs. Also, you might be paying too much for features you do not need. If your smart lock requires you to have a key-operated lock in the same door for security and insurance purposes, then there is no real point in the smart lock. While there are many smart locks available, few will actually be BS3621 rated. You don’t need this rating on UPVC doors (yet) but even here, there is still a mechanical aspect that the lock cannot do. It will not lift the handles that engage all the hooks before locking. That sort of takes all meaning out of the hands-free point.
Are smart locks expensive?
Yes and no. As with everything, there are cheap and expensive ends of the scale. This is another reason to talk to your local locksmith. We know brands and their quality. We do the research so you don’t have to. We go to the nerdy lock conventions and get to see the items in action before we buy them.
In summary, smart locks are a great idea for certain situations but often lose security for convenience and often that convenience can be misleading. For example, with a normal lock, you approach the door and with one hand, take your keys from your pocket, insert into the keyhole, turn and you are unlocked. With some ‘faster’ smart locks, you approach the door and take out your smartphone. Holding your phone in one hand, you turn it on with the other, insert your security code, find the app, open the app, find the button that unlocks the door and eventually you are in. If you are trying to do this while laden with shopping, the process just got longer. There are better products out there, but you will need your locksmith to help you through the minefield. However, if you are really into your gadgets, then a smart lock is a great one that you will use every day. Paired with Alexa or other smart devices and part of a home network that includes CCTV, alarm and a decent door cam, smart locks show potential intruders that you mean business (if you get the right one).
If you have any questions about smart locks or any home security issue, please do not hesitate to contact me via any of the methods on my contacts page.
I’ve noticed the Christmas goodies starting to pop up in the shops so thought I’d get in there with some early Christmas present ideas:
Do you get frustrated every Christmas trying to find a present for your parents that isn’t a boring jumper they never wear? Do your parents have pretty much everything they could want that doesn’t cost thousands of pounds?
Why not get them a new security feature? The older generation are the most at risk of burglary, and many just don’t get to see the products that can make them much safer.
From upgraded locks to burglar alarms with SOS features so they can call you if they have a fall, there are products to suit every pocket and you will be buying your parents (or grandparents) something that is genuinely useful.
Collaborating with other family members will allow for even better products.
Here are just a few ideas for security features;
Lock upgrades. Safes. CCTV. Video Doorbells. Wireless alarm systems with connection to your phone.
Why not talk to your local locksmith today for a free consultation?
If you would like any information on any of the products stated, please get in touch via any of the methods on my contacts page.
What are you getting your parents for Christmas this year? Hankies? Pants and socks? A poinsetta plant? A box of chocolates?
Difficult, isn’t it. Maybe they already have everything they could want within an acceptable price range. Maybe you just get them the same things every year out of habit. Maybe they are just don’t make use of the practical presents you would like to get for them.
So why not think outside the box? How long ago did they change their locks? Do their locks even meet today’s insurance standards? How many keys have been lost over the years? How much safer will they feel when they have a nice, new lock fitted?
Better yet, why not get them a doorbell that links to a phone with a screen meaning they can see and talk to someone at the door without ever having to get up or open the door to a stranger.
Or, even better, how about a home security alarm system with added features like a panic button that can alert you if they take a fall, or will allow you to use your mobile phone to check in on them from time to time.
This Christmas, or birthday or just because you can, why not get your parents something that matters? Part of the joy of Christmas is seeing the people you love use the present you buy them. Pants and socks just don’t quite work.
If you have any questions regarding the above information, please get in touch via any of the methods on my contacts page.
As we approach an ever more digital age, it seems the amount of computerised items we never we needed is getting ever bigger. I think then advantages of a digital door viewer are well worth the cost to anyone. But so few of us even know they exist.
So what are they? Door viewers have been around for a long time. They allow you to get a good look at who is outside, ringing your doorbell (unless you are in a horror movie when they never seem to work!). But the vision through one has always been a bit warped and if you are visually impaired, they are pretty useless. Digital door viewers are different. You can either have a camera placed centrally in the door, or attached to your doorbell with either a screen on the inside of the door that is large enough for you to see the person outside, or a message can be sent to your mobile phone so you can see who is coming to your house, even while you are sipping cocktails in your holiday bar. Some systems will either let you talk to the visitor from your phone, or from a special phone in the house, meaning the elderly and/or infirm don’t have to get out of their seats to deal with nuisance callers, or worse still con artists.
These digital viewers can be used as a stand alone product, or as part of an integrated security system. They can be set to take a picture of the person calling along with date and time stamp, or some will even record a continuous video loop so that you can monitor any suspicious activity going on outside your home. As an example, I was recently at a property where a suspected drugs deal was happening next door. Those who were allegedly purchasing the drugs parked right in front of a digital door viewer and the car number plate was easily observable, as was the driver exiting the car and returning with a bag he did not have before. All this recorded and kept in case of future need. As a stand alone product, digital door viewers are now affordable to most, and will act as a good deterrent to anyone seeking to invade your home, or the home of those you love.
I know it’s only just the end of summer, but as an idea, instead of buying your parents the usual this Christmas, why not buy them something that will boost their home security, save them having to get up every time a salesman knocks, and allow them to nose about at what’s going on outside?
While there are loads of designs and manufacturers to choose from, I personally recommend ERA products as they can be expanded for use with the ERA home guard system, which is almost completely wireless, remotely accessible and will be crowned by an insurance rated brilliant smart lock in the very near future.
If you have any queries regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me via any of the methods on my contacts page.
