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.
This week AC Locksmiths attended another break-in in Holt. This was a town centre attack where the door is direct to pavement. Luckily, someone was home and caught one of the intruders, but they got in because the lock was not up to standard.
Burglaries are on the rise. Sometimes it is not even for the sake of theft, but just wilful damage. From Hunstanton to Happisburgh, AC Locksmiths is offering free security checks with no obligation quotes. Residential, Commercial, holiday homes, second homes and caravans. I can give you peace of mind. Not just with locks, but alarms and other security devices as well. A home invasion is not just about the things that are damaged or stolen. It affects mental health and your personal feeling of security.
Most of us think of our own homes when it comes to security, but what about those loved ones who don’t have access to the same level of digital information? Are your parents living with locks they got with the house in the 1960s? Do you care for a neighbour with locks that do not meet insurance standards? Do they understand their requirements. I can walk down certain roads in Norfolk towns and point out several easy to hit properties. High security locks are much better at blending in with our quaint cottages and rustic houses these days. Secure doesn’t have to be ugly.
In the first instance, you should check your locks for the British Standard Kite Mark. This shows a lock has been tested against multiple forms of attack and is a minimum requirement on many locks for insurance purposes.
For even more security, some products are “Sold Secure,” and are police approved on top of their kite mark.
If you would like to book a free, no obligation security check, please contact me on 07846643176
When I first started locksmithing, if you wanted a new lock, you had a choice of brass/gold, chrome and polished chrome. If you wanted an antique look, there were black hammered wrought iron, but little else.
Over the years there has been little movement in those choices. Traditional mortice locks Often called “Chubb” locks have started to be replaced by locking cases with cylinder locks, but these have all had a more modern feel to them. A rural cottage looks a bit odd with a modern looking handle, and I never liked the black handle with brass cylinder combination.
But now, no more boring locks – there are a range of new colour cylinders that offer more choice. From black to antique brass, these open the way for more stylish handles.
You can even get them in thumb turns and they are kite marked so comply with your home insurance requirements.
If you want, you can also have pewter, but these are a bit more of a premium price right now.
Also, no more boring handles like this.
Say hello to handles that are noticed when people come to your door. Handles that make a great first impression….
Or that you live in regency France!
If you would like a free consultation on styles and costs with no obligation, please contact me.
Multipoint locking doors are increasingly popular in homes and commercial properties due to their superior security features. With locks engaging at multiple points along the frame, these doors offer enhanced protection from break-ins and better sealing against external elements. However, like any mechanical system, they require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Below is a thorough guide on how to maintain these complex yet valuable systems.
Understanding Multipoint Locking Systems
Before delving into maintenance tips, it’s essential to understand what a multipoint locking system entails. These systems typically feature three or more locking points, which simultaneously engage when the door handle is lifted or turned. The locking points often include the main latch, deadbolt, and additional hooks or bolts along the edge of the door.
Why Maintenance Matters
Multipoint locking systems are key to your door’s security and efficiency. Proper maintenance ensures:
Consistent functionality: Prevent stiff mechanisms or misaligned locks that compromise security.
Prolonged lifespan: Reduce wear and tear by addressing minor issues before they escalate.
Enhanced energy efficiency: Maintain proper sealing to prevent drafts and energy loss.
Routine Maintenance Tips
1. Regular Cleaning
Dust and debris can accumulate inside the locking system, hindering smooth operation. To clean:
Use a soft cloth to wipe down the exterior parts of the lock.
For internal components, employ a dry brush or compressed air to remove dust.
Avoid using water or harsh cleaning agents that could corrode metal components.
2. Lubrication
Proper lubrication is vital for keeping the locking mechanism smooth and functional.
Apply a silicone-based lubricant or specialist lock lubricant to all moving parts, such as latches, hooks, and bolts.
Avoid oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dirt and create a sticky residue.
Conduct lubrication every six months or as needed, depending on use.
3. Inspect Alignment
Misalignment can cause difficulty in locking or closing the door. Check for:
Uneven gaps between the door and frame when closed.
Strain or resistance when engaging the locks.
If misalignment occurs:
Adjust the strike plates on the frame using a screwdriver.
Ensure the door hinges are tightened and properly aligned.
4. Check for Wear and Tear
Over time, components of the locking system may wear out. Inspect for:
Cracks, rust, or deformities in the locking points.
Loose screws or bolts in the assembly.
Handle mechanisms that jiggle or feel unstable.
Replace damaged parts promptly to avoid compromising the entire system.
Advanced Maintenance Practices
1. Professional Inspection
While routine checks are beneficial, a professional locksmith or technician can perform a detailed inspection of your multipoint locking system. Annual inspections can:
Identify hidden issues, such as internal wear or corrosion.
Provide adjustments that require specialised tools or expertise.
2. Replacing Components
If your locking system shows signs of significant damage or is consistently malfunctioning, it may be time to replace individual components. This may include:
Worn-out handles or levers.
Damaged locks or strike plates.
Hooks or bolts that no longer engage correctly.
Ensure replacements are compatible with your existing system to maintain effectiveness.
Best Practices for Long-Term Care
1. Avoid Excessive Force
Never force the door handle or locks if they resist movement. Doing so can cause damage to the internal components. Instead, investigate and resolve the issue.
2. Protect Against Moisture
Multipoint locking systems are susceptible to rust caused by moisture. Protect your locks by:
Installing weatherstripping to minimise exposure to rain or humidity.
Avoiding water-based cleaning methods.
Applying anti-corrosion spray to exposed metal parts.
3. Use the Locks Regularly
Engage the locks frequently to ensure all components remain active and functional. Prolonged inactivity can lead to stiffness or mechanical failure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Neglecting Routine Checks
Skipping inspections can allow minor issues to worsen over time, leading to expensive repairs.
2. Using Incorrect Lubricants
Oil-based products can cause dirt buildup, reducing the efficiency of the locking mechanism.
3. Ignoring Signs of Damage
Failing to address visible wear or malfunction may compromise security and lead to system failure.
Conclusion
Multipoint locking doors provide unmatched security and efficiency, making them a valuable asset to your property. By implementing regular maintenance practices, such as cleaning, lubrication, alignment checks, and professional inspections, you can ensure the system operates smoothly for years to come. Avoid common mistakes and stay vigilant for signs of wear and tear—your diligence will pay off in improved safety, energy efficiency, and the longevity of your door system. Proper care is not just an investment in your security but also a guarantee of peace of mind.
Should you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you own a holiday let property, you should be well aware of the new fire regulations that suddenly hit last summer. I know many of you have been spending all your profits to ensure your properties are up to scratch for the coming season.
But what about long term lets?
The fire risk assessment to be carried out by holiday let owners states; ‘any property you pay to stay in. ‘If that doesn’t already mean long term lets, then it certainly will if the government of the day decides that the measures taking place with holiday lets are a success. After all, the more they make you spend, the more they get in tax.
If you own properties that you let out to tenants, then it might be an idea to get ahead of the curve. Lock changes for landlords; locks are changed all the time through abuse, lost keys, evicted tenants etc. What better time than now to make sure that the new locks going in are keyless escape versions. In the event of a fire, your tenants can get out quickly without having to find keys in a panic situation?
AC Locksmiths Norfolk can change your locks for you. Replacements are kite marked products. All insurances will be valid.
But while thumb turn (escape) locks are great for getting out easily, they can be a reduction in your security. There are tools that can go in through letterboxes and rotate the inner thumb turns, it is important to consider options to cancel this short fall. Letter catching cages are a great remedy to this, or mounting a post box outside your house, while disabling any door positioned letter plates is even better.
Changes are coming. I have spoken to several holiday let owners who have changed locks recently, only to have to change them again in light of the new legislation. It’s worth thinking about being ready for the inevitable.
Holiday let owners – are you aware of holiday let and keyless exit point regulations?
In light of the new self assessment fire regulations for owners of holiday lets, here are some things I have noticed people getting wrong:
Firstly, your front door and back door may not be the only fire escapes. If you are in a room with French doors and the fire is the other side of the interior doors, then the French doors are your exit point. Every final exit door is a fire exit and therefore every final exit door must me converted to keyless escape.
Secondly, if you have a porch, the inner door must either be converted as well or left unlockable by the customers. This can be as simple as taking away that key. Alternatively, convert the inner door and remove the key for the outer porch. Either way, the entire route must be keyless escape to meet the keyless exit point regulations.
Finally, this conversion is a serious impact on security. There are tools available that can come in through the letterbox and rotate the thumb turn/push the lever. As these are your holiday lets, I doubt you get much worthwhile mail, so either invest in a letterbox guard, letter collecting basket or seal off the letter box and put a posting box on the wall outside.
So what does the conversion to keyless exit point regulations consist of?
Well, if you have a door with a lift handle mechanism then it simply means changing your double key cylinder for a key and turn cylinder
Double key cylinder
Key & turn cylinder
Prices start from £55, although I see no reason to go for high spec when you are making life easy for the burglar under these new regulations.
If you have a wooden door, you are turning this into this
On wooden doors, you also have the option to install a kite marked nightlatch /Yale type lock
If you need me to come and do a keyless escape conversion for you, please book a free assessment/measure up where I will give you a final no obligation quote and book you for fitting at the next convenient date. Most work can be carried out during changeover days.
I have just been reading through the Home Office Document: ‘A guide to making your small paying-guest-accommodation safe from fire.’ A guide to compliance with fire safety law for those responsible for safety in small paying-guest-accommodation’
Note this says fire safety law and therefore is the legal requirement of all landlords, certainly for those with holiday lets. I would argue long term tenants are also paying guests as they have no right to remain when a landlord decides they want their property back for any reason.
Speaking to a letting agency recently, I have also discovered that it will be expected of all landlords to read the document and comply with all points mentioned. You won’t always get a risk assessor to check things for you. You, as the landlord are entirely responsible should a fire break out. It is quite heavy reading and most of it is obvious, but it is my job to point out relevant issues to my own line of work.
In section 6, there is this statement:
‘Exit doors, such as the front or back door, should always be easy to unlock and must not need a key to unlock them from the inside. A simple latch or thumb turn is usually good enough. However, you may need to consider whether all guests are able to open these doors. A simple single action turn handle or lever will often be more appropriate.’
This means you must have a lock with a thumb turn on the inside. Something like this:
On all upvc type doors, this is simply a matter of changing the cylinder. On doors with mortice (often called ‘Chubb’ type) locks, you will need to change the lock, handles and purchase a cylinder. And while thumb turns are great for fire escapes, they do pose a security risk as it is possible with certain tools to go in through the letterbox and rotate the thumb turn to gain access. Therefore any locks with thumb turns on a door with a letter plate, should also purchase a letter plate guard to alleviate this problem.
The point is repeated on the checklist included in the document: ‘Are frequent checks carried out to ensure exit routes are kept clear and fire exits remain easily openable?’
That is your prompt to make sure no one can lock a door, remove the key and then be unable to get out while panicking in a fire.
October the 1st is the current date for this to become law over advice.
If you have your work done through AC Locksmiths Norfolk, you can expect to pay £55 for a kite marked thumb turn euro cylinder. These can be brass/gold, chrome, polished chrome, dual finish, black or white. An average of £50 to replace your mortice lock with a mortice euro lock case. Handles start at £25 but average at £45. More ornate handles such as wrought iron up to £200. In all cases, a labour fee of £75 is payable. (All prices correct at time of writing, but please get binding quote at measuring stage). In almost all instances, a measuring visit will be required. This is free to all properties within a half hour drive of Holt, Norfolk.
Should you have any questions regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to contact me; 07846643176
New laws for holiday lets; Very soon, all holiday let properties are going to be required by law to be keyless exit in case of emergencies. For properties with UPVC or similar doors where the handle needs to be pushed up before locking, the lock changes are straight forward and the existing cylinder just needs to be changed for one that has a thumb turn on the inside rather than a key.
But if you have a wooden door with a mortice (Chubb type) lock, then you will need a complete conversion kit consisting of replacement lock case, thumb turn cylinder and Euro cylinder handles. Most of this is straight forward, but sourcing handles to match your existing ones can be a drain.
If you do not get this work done and your tenants have an emergency, there will be no cover from your insurance should the worst happen due to them not being able to escape.
Here at AC Locksmiths Norfolk, we are happy to work around your changeover days and with your management company to get the locks changed seamlessly without hassle for you or your customers.
Should you require any more information about the new laws for holiday lets – or anything else, please contact me for an informal chat.
It is well known that business properties, especially where the public has access, should have secure fire exit doors, which means that all locked doors should be able to be opened from the inside without a key.
But many people renting out properties for holidays do not realise that these fire exits should have easy escape capabilities. The logic behind this is that if the lock is key operated on the inside, the customers may well lock the door, put the key somewhere safe, and then should the worst happen and a fire break out, in their panic and being away from home, they could well forget where they have put the key and be caught in a tragic accident.
So if your wooden door has a nightlatch (often called a ‘Yale’ lock), and that lock has a British Standard Kite mark, you are fine.
If your wooden door has a mortice (often called a ‘Chubb’ lock), with key operation on both sides, there is a conversion that can be done to use a Euro Cylinder that has a thumb turn on the inside. This means changing the lock and handles but can use the existing space with minimal visible change.
If your door is UPVC or has any mechanism where the handles must be lifted before locking, it is a simple matter of swapping the existing Euro Cylinder for one with a thumb turn on the inside.
This is a key both sides Euro Cylinder:
And this is a standard thumb turn Euro Cylinder:
There is a slight worry with installing these fire escape systems, though and that is I have a tool that can go in through letter boxes and turn the thumb turn allowing me access to the property. We have two solutions. Firstly, certain thumb turns on the very best cylinders are designed to be difficult for tools to turn. They might require a push while turning or just plain difficult for the tool to purchase.
Alternatively, you can buy specially designed sloped guards for your letterbox (although even these can be bypassed with ever more clever locksmith tools).
Or better yet a letter catching cage on the back of your door will stop all tools that I know of at time of writing.
If you own or run holiday lets, you might find your public liability insurance does not pay out if you have not taken the correct measures to ensure the safety of your guests.
I am noticing a lot of village halls are also suddenly finding out from fire inspections that they are not up to scratch. Please check the regulations specific to you if you run any property that is not a private home.
Summer finally seems to have arrived, and that means the mass migrations to caravan and camping sites up and down the country. But little mistakes can make cheaper holidays a lot more expensive.
You might read some of the advice below and think it blatantly obvious. However, getting away can be stressful and if we don’t take those few extra minutes to check certain things before we set off, our holidays and weekend breaks, may not begin well.
So, do you take your spare car key on holiday? Full marks if you do. It can be kept in the caravan or hidden in the tent, or carried by your better half. When you leave your spare 400 miles away at home what happens if you lose your car key paddling in the sea or walking in the dunes? Or you might just lock it in the boot while packing everything away leaving you locked out of your own vehicle (glove compartments are not a good place to keep spare keys). Do you really want to wait for the auto locksmith to arrive, decode your locks, produce a key that will possibly make the spare at home useless, and charge you a day’s budget for the privilege? And while you tuck that spare key somewhere safe, please check, double check and triple check you have the key to your top box. Not all locksmiths are properly trained and if you get one who drills out the lock because you are desperate to unpack all the most important stuff you placed in the top box, you might have to spend part of your holiday and budget sourcing a new top box or at least loads of gaffer tape to keep it all secure on the way home. (The other common result is frostiness from your significant other because the whole thing could be avoided.) Long before you go away, create a checklist of things to remember and no matter how much you want to beat that traffic jam on the way to your destination, always take the time to go through the checklist that will have spare car key and top box keys as something to take with you.
Hiring a motor home? Some reps may tell you that you can’t get locked out – when in fact you can, especially if you do not latch them properly. I have already been out twice this year to hired motor homes where the couple has stepped outside for a cigarette, allowed the door close, and found themselves locked out in their pyjamas. Take your key out in your pocket just in case, especially if you are new to motorhomes or it is a different vehicle to the one you are used to.
Maybe you are the proud owner of a static caravan? One that has a lift handle mechanism. When did you last have the mechanism serviced? When static caravans are near the sea, the salt can corrode all sorts of bits that you can’t see. And if water pools anywhere, rust will set in and at some point, the mechanism will seize. If you only use the caravan for personal use, then this is just an expensive inconvenience to have fixed, but if you hire out your caravan and your customers get locked out, not only have you the cost of the repair, but you might have to refund all or part of the customer’s fee by way of compensation. I see a lot of caravans in my job, and the state of the door mechanisms can be shocking. It can all be avoided with a little maintenance. If this is something you can do yourself, all well and good, but as no one ever instructs people on how to maintain these doors, you might find it cost effective to have a locksmith do the maintenance for you. For example, I charge £35 to do lock maintenance and this should be done twice a year. It is a lot easier to find £35 than to potentially have a bill for £250 plus reimbursing guests who might still go on to give you bad reviews on trip advisor. This maintenance contract extends to holiday home lets as well. If you are reading this outside of Norfolk, you might want to contact your local locksmith to see if he or she offers a similar service. When you employ a professional, you get the added bonus of someone who will adjust doors that have dropped and notice other problems you miss. Only today, I showed a customer daylight through the top of his door where it had dropped, a problem that has been making all the moving parts grind and has led to a replacement mechanism being needed, further compounded by the mechanism now being obsolete and the replacement not lining up with the existing fittings. All that could have been avoided if he had had the door maintained by someone who would have noticed the door dropping and rectified with nothing more than an Allen key and a little knowledge.
Have a great holiday and remember those spare keys!
If you require any more information regarding the above, please feel free to contact me through any of the methods on my contacts page.
