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
At the time of writing, I have just watched a BBC news item about people being ripped off by rogue locksmiths. I was shocked that one couple had been charged over £1,000 for a very basic job. The same firm quoted £40 for a lock out and were secretly filmed by the BBC. By the time the locksmith had performed a totally unnecessary drill job and replaced parts that didn’t need replacing, the bill was £400.
How They Get Away With It.
When you are locked out and desperate to get in, you are vulnerable and these unscrupulous traders are taking full advantage. The situation could be eased if the industry was regulated, but unfortunately, despite calls from real locksmiths to have regulation, there is none. That means although the certificates I hold from three bodies relating to my training, you can decide to be a locksmith tomorrow. You can go out and charge whatever you want like these rogues already do.
How Does A Real Locksmith Work Out Pricing?
Again, at the time of writing, I am the only locksmith I know of in my area that displays pricing on my website. But how does that all break down?
Let’s start with my £75 flat fee labour. I might be at your property for 10 minutes or up to two hours in extreme circumstances. But I am going to use today as an example. North Norfolk is a large area with sparse population. This morning I drove 50 minutes to Thornham. It took me 45 minutes to fit three locks, a keysafe and look at a gate that was hanging from its’ hinges. I then drove 50 mins home. My home time is spent writing this blog, catching up on accounts and researching/ordering parts at the best possible price. Later I will travel 30 mins to look at a job that may or may not result in work there, and then may need parts to be ordered. If I perform no actual work, there is no cost, but ordering parts means a second hour round trip when I return, so that job expectation is 2 hours before I even turn a screw. At worst today for 8 hours on the job, I have earned £75 in labour. At best £150. So between £9 and £18 per hour. Don’t get me wrong, most days are more than two visits. Due to distances and population sparsity, 4 visits a day are common, 6 is a really good day, and 8 have been known. But that goes way beyond normal working hours. On those higher number of visits days, at least two will be no fee security checks/quotes. My average labour earnings per day are £225. That is a healthy £28 per hour. Not bad you might think.
Out of the £225, comes around £25 fuel per day. Van maintenance, replacement tools like chisels and expensive specialist perishables. After all expenses, that comes down to £150 per day. £22 per hour. Just slightly above the average hourly rate for workers in the UK (£19.67). But wait, as a self employed person, I have no sick pay or holiday pay. If I want these things, I need insurances to pay for them, which I would have to pass on to you, the customer.
So where else do I make money? Well, I get trader’s discount on the products I supply. If you go to a hardware shop, you will get your locks cheaper than those I can supply. They are cheaper because they bulk buy hundreds of items at a time which gives them a greater discount, and they can offset prices by lowering the profit margin on bigger, more expensive goods. I can only carry a certain amount of products in the limited space of my van, and often need to order parts like handles as there are just too many different designs to hold in reserve. So yes, I do profit from the sale of products, but not as much as you might think is reflected in my price. I also need to cover my guarantee. If I provide you with a product and it fails, the chances of me getting that product back to my supplier undamaged is minimal. I don’t get my money back, but I still honour my pledge to you. Thankfully, I have learned to only fit quality products, although all my customers are free to ask for budget products with no guarantee.
Why is AC Locksmiths Norfolk Different?
I am so confident that my prices are fair, as I said earlier I display as much as I can on my site, something no one else does to the best of my knowledge. Also, I don’t pay people to get me superior rankings on Google or produce false AI testimonials as that would mean even more cost to you. Hopefully this blog has given you some insight as to how a real locksmith sets his prices and confidence that I will never take advantage of your vulnerability in a desperate situation.
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.
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.
At the time of writing this blog, I am very excited. It is just a couple of short weeks until I can finally go live with the Auto Locksmithing arm of my business: AC Locksmiths Norfolk Auto !
From August 1st 2017, I will be able to rescue you if you have lost or had your car keys stolen. I will be able to create new keys for your car, either by copying (cloning) your existing key or by reading information direct from your car’s on board computer that will allow me to use information I have from the manufacturer, to produce a key right there while you are waiting. And because I am mobile, I can come to your house or place of work to carry out the procedures so you don’t have to take time off to see your dealer or wait for your dealer to send your key off and leave you without a car for a week. All this and it will (in most cases) cost less than going direct to your dealer as well!
So if you need an auto locksmith in the East Anglia region, why not give me a call? You can go direct to my prices page to get a really good idea as to how much it will cost. I might not be the lowest price, but my prices are fair and I do not change them if you call me at night, on weekends, or even bank holidays. And at the time of writing, I still don’t have to charge VAT so the price you see or the price I quote you, is the price you pay. No other locksmith in East Anglia that I can find advertises prices on their web site. If their prices are not fixed, how can you trust you are getting a fair deal?
You can see from my testimonials page how I treat my customers. If you are not happy with the work I do, and I cannot rectify that for you, I will not charge you a penny. Just as with my commercial and domestic buildings locksmith work, I am happy to talk you through every stage of what I do and if, for example I have to do something that could potentially cause damage (when gaining entry), I will always talk to you first about the ongoing options and why certain actions are needed before going any further. Everything I supply to you comes with a full 1 year guarantee, so you have peace of mind that if goods are faulty, and have not been mistreated, they will be replaced at no extra cost to you.
Be it lost keys, broken keys, stolen keys, car keys locked inside the boot, or keys locked in the car, whether you live in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire or Lincolnshire, don’t despair. AC Locksmiths Norfolk is just a phone call away. 07846643176
There are several Locksmiths available to carry out your work in the Norfolk area, so we have done some research on the competition to find out what sets us apart. Please take a minute or two to read the following and make your own mind up.
We are a genuine local company, based in Norfolk meaning the money you pay remains in the local economy stimulating local business.
We do not sub-contract out our work.
We are transparent with our pricing. Our labour rates for 2013/14 are £50 regardless of time of day, weekends or bank holidays. (£70 for car entry) and there are no labour costs if the locking products exceed £100. We can find no other locksmith website in this part of the country that advertises its’ prices. We find this fact very significant as we believe in being open and honest about our pricing from the first – there are no unpleasant surprises regarding what we charge our customers.
We are a qualified locksmith, we hold the highest level of accreditation in the country, NCFE level 3; this means we have trained and gained the appropriate qualifications. This is of particular importance in an industry that, so far is unregulated. (Although this should hopefully be changing soon.) We know that there are not many locksmiths that can offer this high standard at the prices we charge.
We still offer free security checks of your house, garage, office etc. – with no obligation to buy.
We often give free advice over the phone.
We do not charge labour twice if we have to make a second visit because we did not have your product on board the first time around.
Our existing customers are rewarded for loyalty by having labour rates frozen against future rises, i.e. last year’s customers continue to pay last year’s labour rates.
We stock second hand products for customers who cannot afford new ones.
We agree the full cost before work commences.
We take pride in our work: – that’s why we get testimonials and recommendations (which go on the testimonials page.) These are all genuine, from happy, satisfied customers.
We do not charge VAT, and will not charge it until we have to – this alone saves 20% off your final costs.
We write information blogs to help you save money, or inform you how to improve your security.
We want to be the best and are always on the look out for ways to improve without impacting on our prices.
With the weather warming up, we are noticing an up turn in upvc doors that are in need of adjustment. French doors that have been shut over the winter are being opened again, and the owners are finding that the handles are stiff to operate. A relatively easy problem to fix as long as it is dealt with straight away, but expensive if the handles are forced and the mechanism breaks. At AC Locksmiths we would much rather do the adjustments than see money wasted further down the line and we charge nothing to have a look for you. We only charge if we have to do any work.
The other thing we have noticed is that many upvc doors are still of the old type that have rollers as the multi-point locking mechanism. Without going into details, these are extremely easy for burglars to gain entry through and should be upgraded to incorporate hook and shoot bolts where possible. Most people think this requires a whole new door, but in most cases, it is just a new mechanism that is required to increase your security.
While Norfolk is statistically low for reported burglaries, we have attended a fair number of cases in the North Norfolk area.
For further information, please do not hesitate to get in contact via the contacts page. We do cover locks for the whole of Norfolk with particular focus on the Holt, Sheringham, Cromer, North Walsham and Fakenham towns along with the local villages.
