Can locksmiths help you prevent burglary?
You typically call a locksmith when you are locked out or you need to install locks. But did you know a locksmith can make your home more secure and prevent burglary? Yes, you heard us right. There are number of ways your local locksmith can help in this context.
- Proper lock installation
Let’s start with the obvious. An experienced and licensed locksmith is capable of installing locks in a proper manner. A properly installed lock goes a long way in thwarting a burglar’s intentions.
- Assessing the condition of your locks
Locksmith services are just about repairs, making new keys and help you during lockouts. A locksmith can also evaluate the condition of your locks – making sure they are working properly. They can look for signs of damage and check if the strike is aligned well and deadbolt lock is extended fully into the strike plate. All these check-ups make sure your locks don’t break-down and keep giving you required security at all times.
- Rekey or change your locks
Most people get their locks rekeyed only when their keys are lost. But it is an important preventive measure one must take from time to time if you are serious about the security of your home or business. Rekeying or changing your locks is even more important if you have changed your residence. Why?
The key to this question lies in the management of spare keys. Sometimes keeping a track of all the copies can get of hand, especially when we tend to distribute spare keys to friends and third party alike without giving it a much thought. Your keys can fall in the hands of stranger, who can put them to misuse. A simple, cost effective solution like rekeying can eliminate this concern.
We get a lot of questions from our customers on whether to rekey or change the lock. It is quite simple. If your locks are in great shape and show no signs of wear and tear, the best way to go about it is to simply rekey the locks. It is a simple process of changing the internal assembly of pins in such a way that you now need new keys to work the lock. Old keys are no more useful. On the other hand, having a broken or damaged lock will need you to change the locks, which can be costly. Again, lock replacement is also a better option if you want to upgrade your access control system and go for better, improved technology like high security locks, better grade deadbolt lock or a keyless entry system.
- Help recommend home security systems
A locksmith not only assesses the condition of your locks and installs locks in a desired way. A professional also comes handy if you need expert consulting on how to improve your home security and prevent burglary.
An experienced locksmith understands the weak links in your security and recommend cost effective options that are more suitable for your needs and provide enhanced security. For example, you don’t always need to buy expensive security systems. Simple options like installing a door chain, digital peephole or a security bar (for your sliding glass doors) can do the trick without spending thousands of dollars.
Similarly, your locksmith can either upgrade your locks, tell you what kind of locks to use or even help you reinforce your deadbolt strike plate and doorjamb by making small but highly effective changes to your existing assembly (such as using longer screws to reinforce the strike plate firmly into the studs and attaching a metal plate to make door frame stronger). They can also give you suggestions how to make your locks bump-proof.
Suggestions like these and more can make a huge difference in your home security. Only a professional locksmith working in the industry for a long time can help you with these ideas, thus helping you prevent burglary.