The long dark winter nights can make you feel more vulnerable both when you are out and also when you are at home. This is why making sure that your home security is up to scratch is particularly important at this time of year. Here are some of my top suggestions.
1. Make sure that all the locks on your external doors are up to the job. As a locksmith in Edinburgh I am often called after house break-ins to replace weak locks that burglars have easily broken in order to get entry to a home. Some types of euro cylinder locks are particularly vulnerable to a technique called ‘lock snapping’. Burglars are using this method more and more to break into properties. In addition it is important that all your locks carry the BS Kitemark on the faceplate. This is a sign that your lock has met set British Standard.
2. Check that all your windows, especially those on the ground floor, can be locked. If they don’t have locks fitted get in touch with a good locksmith. Most insurance companies now make this a requirement of their home insurance policies.
3. Close all your curtains and blinds as soon as it get dark. This simple action deters potential burglars because they cannot tell if anyone is at home or see if there are any valuables worth breaking in for.
4. Keep all your outbuildings (garage, shed etc) secure with good quality locks. As well as containing valuable items they may also contain tools that burglars can use to break into your home e.g. ladders.
5. Keep a spare key in a safe place. If you have good neighbours then it makes sense to ask them to keep hold of a key for emergencies. If not then you could always get an external key safe installed. They are particularly useful if you have teenagers who are in the habit of losing their keys.
Hero Locksmith is a 24 hour emergency locksmith service covering the whole of Edinburgh and the Lothians. All locksmith services are provided including: lock repairs and replacements, UPVC door repairs, insurance locks supplied and fitted, key cutting on site, stair entry lock repairs.
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