Burglary Prevention Tips

Whilst your home insurance covers the financial loss you suffer as a result of a break-in, nothing can protect you from the emotional trauma and shock suffered when a stranger ransacks your home and rummages through your personal belongings. However, there is a lot you can do to help prevent it from happening in the first place.

All External Doors

Fit five-lever mortice deadlocks (or their equivalent) to all external doors and you should lock these doors even if you are out for just a short time.

All Accessible Windows

A large number of break-ins occur through windows. Fit security locks to all accessible windows, i.e. those on the ground floor or near any drainpipes or flat roofs.

Going Out at Night

When you go out for the evening, it’s a good idea to draw the curtains and leave a light on in the living room or bedroom. Leaving the hall light on is not a good deterrent. Keep your garage/garden shed locked. Do not leave garden implements, especially ladders, lying around. They could help a thief gain access to your home.

Going on Holiday

When you go on holiday, cancel all deliveries, i.e. milk, newspapers, etc. Inform your local Police station that you will be away.

Car Keys

Because improved vehicle security prevents cars being stolen without a key, houses are being forcibly entered to obtain vehicle keys. Keys should:

·        Not be left in view via windows

·        Not be left on a hall table from where they may be hooked through      the letter box

·        Always be kept securely by drivers

·        Be kept out of sight and NOT taken to the bedroom at night.

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Afraid with this kind of scenario? Avoid this kind of threat by upgrading your security system at home! Schaumburg Locksmith is always open to assist you!

THE BEST WAYS TO AVOID BEING LOCKED OUT

It’s certainly quite inconvenient and unsettling to discover that you’re locked out, and it’s particularly irritating if you’re stranded some place without your keys after hours. Prior to a lock and key emergency ever happening, you can choose, right now, to establish some basic principles. Decide to make these strategies here a daily habit, and you’ll never be locked out again!

 

Always know where your keys are located. Stay aware of your keys, no matter where you go. If you walk out the door, realizing that you forgot something, and then go back inside to get it, don’t place your keys on the table and forget about them! Keep your keys in your hand instead, or in your pocket or purse. If you ever lend an extra key to a trusted neighbor or friend, always get it back as soon as you can.

 

Keys, wallet, phone. Whenever you walk out the door, remind yourself: keys, phone, wallet. Keep it in the back of your mind from now on. Do a pat-down: check your purse, pockets, or pack. (You may wish to add a few more items to your list, such as: driving glasses, sunglasses, reading glasses, and so on.)

 

Store a spare key in a sensible hiding place. Placing a key beneath the mat, over your door frame, or underneath your flower pot is a lousy idea, because every thief knows to look in these locations. A fake-rock keyholder won’t be effective if an intruder already knows exactly what it looks like. It’s best to give a duplicate key to a friend or neighbor you trust ~ ideally someone who’s at home most of the time.

 

Replace defective locks. Inspect all your locks periodically. Repair, upgrade, or replace them. If any of your locks get harder and harder to open, the key might break off inside the lock mechanism. Don’t make copies of keys from keys that are duplicates already, because they eventually won’t work. If any of your locks become too worn-out, they’ll easily bind.

 

Keep a phony credit card. If you’re bold, carry one of those sample credit cards that comes in your junk mail, or a gift card you’ve already used up. Don’t use an active one, because it will get ruined. It doesn’t actually go the way it does in the movies, but it may still work for you ~ that is, only if there isn’t a deadbolt present. It needs to be a bored door lock, with the sloped ridge of the bolt facing toward you. (If the door opens toward you, then the bolt is probably facing in the wrong direction.) If the bolt is the right kind, and facing the right way, then try this:

 

1.Place the card in the space between the jamb above the bolt and the door.

 

2.Very gently, slide the card down between the bolt and the strike plate.

 

3.Push the card, and push the door.

 

4.If you’re fortunate, the door will open, and you’ll leave everything undamaged (except of course the card).

 

Are you more adventurous? Carry a pick set. If your state and local laws allow it, attempt to pick the lock. Not all locks can be picked, but it’s worth a try. Perhaps some time in the future, you’ll be able to help someone else who’s locked out.

 

 

Before you get into trouble, find a legitimate locksmith. The right way to track down a reputable locksmith is to find one before you need one. Do your homework, so you won’t get scammed or overcharged.

 

Ask family, friends, and colleagues for their recommendations. Word of mouth from a satisfied customer is ideal.

 

Do your research to locate a reliable local locksmith. Open the telephone book and the Web. Note the locksmith companies in your area, with their addresses and phone numbers. Locate locksmiths who specialize in the services you require. Utilizing the Internet, match up the phone numbers with the street addresses. A disreputable company could list a false address, or none at all, claiming it’s local. If a person answers your call with a nonspecific greeting such as “locksmith services,” ask for the full business name. If that individual won’t tell you, cross that one off your list. Also bear in mind that a fully trustworthy locksmith company may choose not to include a street address because it runs a mobile business, dispatching a locksmith professional who’s local to each customer. Accordingly, simply ask why the address isn’t listed.

 

Verify the locksmith’s credentials. When your locksmith arrives, ask for identification, a business card, and proof of license. The invoice ought to include the business name. The locksmith’s truck should also have the company name, and match the company name on the invoice and business card. The locksmith must also request your identification. Before beginning work, a locksmith has to authenticate your identity, and confirm that you’re truly the property owner.

 

Be skeptical if a locksmith tells you you’ll have to drill or replace the lock just because you’re locked out. A respectable locksmith will carry the proper tools, and possess the expertise to know that such drastic measures would be overkill. A genuine locksmith professional can unlock virtually anything.

 

When you’ve finally found a dependable locksmith, keep that company’s contact information in a reasonable place, such as on your smart device, in your wallet, on the refrigerator, or on the bulletin board at work ~ so you’ll always be able to get yourself out of a jam when you find yourself in a lockout situation. An excellent locksmith will always be happy to answer all your questions.

 

If you’re in Schaumburg, Illinois, consider Schaumburg Locksmith, where staff mobile professional locksmith technicians are prepared 24/7 to provide automotive, residential, commercial, and emergency locksmith solutions.

 

 

Are you locked out right now? If you don’t have an extra key hidden some place, and you don’t have someone who keeps one for you, then check to see if you’ve left a window or another door open.

 

When all else fails, hire a locksmith! You may be tempted to entertain the idea of breaking a window. But should you really risk being mistaken for a burglar? Of course not. Avoid this scenario in the future! Instead, plan ahead!

Article source here: THE BEST WAYS TO AVOID BEING LOCKED OUT

SCHAUMBURG LOCKSMITH: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SAFE IS JAMMED

Safes are a great solution to safely storing your small, portable valuables. Perhaps you use a safe at home to store your important documents, expensive jewelry, or family valuables. You may also use a safe in your commercial business, to store documents, cash, or expensive inventory such as jewelry and precious stones. While you want your safe to close securely, you also want to be able to open it when you need to. That leads to the question – what do you do if your safe is jammed or won’t open? Keep reading to find out some reasons your safe may not open, and tips to troubleshoot the situation.

CHANGE BATTERIES

Some safes are battery powered. When there is no power going to the safe, the safe’s default is to remain closed. If you cannot open your safe, the first thing you should do is change the batteries. It is recommended that you use brand name batteries, as off brand batteries can lose power more quickly. Even if your keypad lights up and the keypad is making its normal sounds, you should still do a battery change. This is because the installed batteries may have enough power to activate the keypad, but not enough power to unlock the internal mechanisms.

JAMMED BOLT WORK

There are a variety of reasons that your bolts in your safe may become jammed. If you can hear the motor working, trying to unlock the bolts, but nothing is happening – this is likely due a jam. A potential fix to this is to kick the safe. Yes – you read that right. It is suggested you turn around, and give a hard kick to the safe with the flat side of your foot (avoid your toe, and please avoid kicking the keypad or handle). The reason you are doing this is to try to jolt the bolt back into its proper position. After giving the safe a kick, try pulling the safe’s handle in the opposite direction (this is to ease some pressure off the bolt) and enter your code. Hopefully this will allow your safe door to open.

TIME DELAY OR LOCKOUT MODE

Just like if you enter the wrong pin number in your ATM card too many times, safes also have a “lockout” security measure built in. One reason your safe may not open could be because you have entered the incorrect code too many times. Depending on your type of safe, there is usually a set amount of time you have to wait before you can try to enter your code again (many safes have a default time of 20 minutes). There are also time-delay safes which work the same way. The only difference is you may be able to set the time-delay yourself when the safe is installed.

DAMAGED WIRING

Just like any electronic equipment in your home, your safe has internal and external wiring. This wiring can become damaged or disconnected. One reason your safe may not work correctly can be due to disconnected wires (such as the wires leading to your keypad), or damaged or frayed wiring. To troubleshoot this issue, you could remove the faceplate on your keypad. When you do that you can do a visual inspection of your safes wires to see if you notice any damaged wires, or wires that don’t seem to be connected anywhere. Another option is to call in your locksmith at this point to have them correct the issue.

HAMMER TAPPING

If you have a combination safe, this may be an option for you. If you find that your safe is accepting the combination code, but the door will not open, it is possible that the door is jammed. One way you can troubleshoot this issue is to take a hammer and gently tap the sides of the safe. You will want to focus on the side opposite to the hinge, and periodically try the door as you tap. The hope is that you will gently be able to tap the internal mechanisms back into place and the door will open.

PUSH AND PULL ON HANDLE

If you can enter your combination, but are having trouble turning the handle this may indicate that your safes bolts are out of line. You will know this is the case if the handle turns a little and then stops. You can try this to get your safe door open. Enter your combination code. Then take one hand and push in on the door, while with the other hand you try to turn the handle. The hope is that when you push the door in, you are pushing the bolts into a better position for alignment, and then you will be able to turn the handle to open the door.

COMBINATION SHIFTING

This is particularly for combination locks. In older combination locks, the internal tumblers can shift out of position. Meaning, if your combination is 10-30-15, the tumblers can shift to 9-29-14 (one digit down). So if your lock will not open, you can try shifting the number. First go down 5 digits, and then up 5 digits. You will try this method one digit at a time. If your lock ends up opening when you use this technique, then call a technician right away. This is a sign of age and your safes lock will eventually malfunction altogether. You don’t want to wait and end up with a safe door that will not open when you need it to.

There are many reasons your safe could jam. As safes become more sophisticated, you really need expert help to troubleshoot some of the issues that may occur. Your best bet is to call a licensed and insured locksmith to help you. Not only can a locksmith open your safe, they can advise you on what happened to jam your door in the first place. Schaumburg, IL residents have come to depend on the quality service of Schaumburg Locksmith. If you are in need of help with your safe, or any other locksmith services, give us a call today!

Article source here: SCHAUMBURG LOCKSMITH: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SAFE IS JAMMED

One of the Easiest Ways to Break Into Your Home

If you’re a homeowner, no doubt, you’re very protective of your home. You likely do all that you can to make sure that you, your family and valuables are as safe as possible. At Schaumburg Locksmith, we are here to tell you that you may be forgetting about an area of your home once you leave out, the sliding glass door. That’s right, this is one area of the home that many people neglect. What we mean by neglect is that many homeowners leave it to chance that no one will try to break into their home through the sliding door. This is one of the most susceptible places for a thief to break in. You can’t be too safe these days. Every area of your home, especially those that are most susceptible to intrusion, should be secured. The sliding glass door is usually located far enough away from human eyes that an intruder is willing to take a chance on breaking in. You cannot only do your part to protect your home by locking this door when you leave but by also applying an additional lock to provide maximum security. Below you will find other ways of securing your sliding glass door.

Securing Your Sliding Glass Door

• Install Another Lock

You should have another lock installed on your sliding glass door since the one it comes with isn’t sturdy enough to resist pressure from a thief. The lock that comes with the sliding glass door is usually just there to make sure the door stays shut. It doesn’t add a real level of security. However, adding a reinforced auxiliary lock will. Don’t take the chance of someone being able to gain entry into your home from your sliding door, contact the qualified locksmiths of Schaumburg Locksmith in Schaumburg, IL, today.

• Secure the Door

You can do more than just adding a lock to your door, there are also bar locks that you can purchase which will prevent the door from opening. You can only open the door once the bar is removed. You can usually purchase this at your local hardware store. Perhaps you have some type of stick that you can also use to secure your sliding glass door. All that you’ll need to do it lay the stick or bar across the tracks of the door to secure it. This is a simple solution that quickly enhances your homes level of security.

• Attach Door to an Alarm System

If you do not have an alarm system, you may already be leaving yourself wide open to receiving an unexpected visitor. If you do have an alarm system, it is just as important to have your sliding glass door connected to the alarm system as it is to have the front entryway connected. You are immediately alerted of someone’s attempt to break into your home through this door if it is connected to your alarm system.

Some homes actually have more than one sliding glass door. There are some that have them on the side and in the back of their homes. Every single exterior door should be secured, no matter where it is located. You may wonder why some thieves will select the sliding door to gain entry inside your home. Here are the reasons why they use this door to get inside.

• Undetected Entry

This type of door is known for being easy to open and close. All you have to do to open it is simply glide it over the tracks of the door. This process is also very quiet. Since someone can get inside without a peep, this makes entry through the sliding glass door most appealing to most burglars. Doors that open and close make noises, especially if the hinges need to be oiled. A sliding door doesn’t require the same type of hardware and thus it is very quiet when opened.

• Things Being Advertised

When you do not have anything to cover up your sliding door, you are allowing others to look inside your home. This means that you are advertising all that you have inside. Rather than letting others know what expensive electronics you have, keep it to yourself by placing blinds or curtains over your glass door. We know that you may love the door because of the sunlight it allows into your home, however, it is in your best interest to allow keep it covered up when the sun goes down. It is usually more difficult to see inside when the sunlight is out but not when it is dark outside. Keep it covered up and avoid the added attention from a would-be intruder. They are more likely to take a chance on breaking in when they know that what you have is of value.

• Insufficient Lock

The lock that your sliding glass door comes with is not a good and sturdy lock. This is widely known by most intruders. There is very little effort required in order for someone to break into your home without additional locking mechanisms placed on your sliding door. The lock that is already on the door is usually only there to keep the door shut not to provide you with the level of security that you need to keep out intruders. A burglar is banking on you’re not realizing that you need additional locks to secure the door.

If you’re a homeowner with a sliding glass door, do yourself a favor by taking notice of your door to see if it is as secure as it can be. You don’t have to do a lot but it is necessary to do something in order to keep out an intruder who may target your home. Don’t allow them to be successful in their attempts to get inside your home and disturb the peace that may currently exist. We suggest that you take every precaution necessary to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe inside your home.

Article source here: One of the Easiest Ways to Break Into Your Home

WHAT LOCKSMITHS DO

Everyone knows what locksmiths do; they work with locks! Everyone knows that! But what does “work with locks” really mean? Our Schaumburg Locksmith pros offer some helpful tips on what locksmith service can entail. Read our post and gain some insight into some of the many valuable tasks that a lock and key professional can do on your behalf. Whether you live here in Schaumburg, IL or elsewhere, you can save money and get better service by simply knowing what to expect from your local locksmith professional.

Locksmith vs handyman

Sometimes, service jobs overlap and can be done effectively by either a locksmith OR a handyman. This obviously does not apply to all locksmith tasks as you will see. Handymen can do things like change door knobs, cut keys, add a padlock, install a peephole, deliver your safe, and maybe service your alarm. In general, handymen are not licensed, insured or bonded. They can be part time help and even be inexperienced. Generally handymen will not respond to 24-hour emergency calls or be available during holidays.

A locksmith should be fully certified, carry insurance and be bonded. They will generally arrive in mobile service vehicles stocked with locks, keys and key making equipment so that you can enjoy on location convenience as well as round the clock access to a trained and experienced professional. A locksmith will generally cost more than a handyman but many shops offer affordable, honest rates and free price quotes to go with them. Schaumburg Locksmith and many of our local lock and key colleagues are ready and able to help you with any and all of your emergency, residential, commercial and automotive locksmith needs, all day, all night; anytime we are needed!

Emergency locksmiths

These are the pros you call when your situation feels urgent. Here in Schaumburg, IL you can call your favorite emergency locksmith on a 24/7 basis so that true lock and key assistance is always available to you, no matter what your situation happens to be. How can you tell if your situation is a real emergency? Simple; does it feel like one? If it does; it’s an emergency! You might be locked out of your house, car or business and need back inside as soon as possible. Your store’s panic bar might be stuck and you aren’t able to close for the night. Your luggage might be locked in your car’s trunk along with the ignition keys and the airport security is yelling for you to move your car. There are thousands of possibilities and all of them are valid emergencies if you feel in danger or stressed out because of them.

Residential locksmiths

Many people automatically think of lockouts when hearing the term “residential locksmith” but home lock and key experts do more than just let you back in after you’ve locked your keys in the home; they specialize in every part of home security and protection. A good residential locksmith can cut keys, open doors, lock garage doors, extract keys, add a safe, install a deadbolt, replace locks, change door knobs, provide security doors, repair break-in damage, lock your pool, upgrade locks, add a gun safe, install a peephole, lock your mailbox, service alarms, add intercom, and lots more!

As you’ve guessed, it pays to be choosy when selecting someone to actually work on your home locks and keys. Handymen can only do so much before you need to rely on true lock professionals with skill, training and experience. Always choose a full service residential locksmith to work with. They are a true wellspring of home security and protection that you can rely on anytime, day or night for everything from lockout assistance to security upgrades.

Automotive locksmiths

Your car only has a few locks on it. The main ones are the ignition switch and the door lock. Other locks can include the trunk, glove compartment and maybe the front seat console. That being said, these locks and their accompanying keys are all-important when it comes time to operate your vehicle. Older car keys could be duplicated by taking them to a convenience store or mail center. Not so much anymore; modern cars use transponder keys that are hard and very expensive to duplicate. That’s what makes them so good at protecting your vehicle from theft. On the downside, if your transponder key is lost or damaged, you are left with a big bill from your car dealership, not to mention the long service area wait and the accompanying tow charges. On the upside, a good Schaumburg, IL automotive locksmith can come to your vehicle’s location and service your locks and keys affordably, expertly and on your time frame! This service can INCLUDE transponder key programming and duplication, saving you tremendous time, effort and money!

Commercial locksmiths

Do you know how many businesses there are in the Schaumburg, IL and Greater Chicago metro area? Tens of thousands! Every one of them uses locks and keys and other specialized commercial hardware. A business locksmith that is skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, and up-to-date with the latest advancements in commercial lock security can be a valuable asset to have on board. Just as an attorney, financial advisor, accountant and tax professional are vital consultants that every business should have access to, a commercial locksmith fulfills an important and specialized role in keeping local firms safe, protected and secured from inside and outside threats of all kinds.

Local businesses that can benefit from a commercial locksmith include laundromats, shoe stores, apartment rentals, attorneys, gas stations, mechanics, HVAC techs, contractors, dentists, accountants, artists, bakers, dry cleaners, fast food locations, fine dining, auto repair, home improvement, electronics stores and hundreds more.

Add a locksmith to your life

We recommend that you find and work with a full service, well rounded locksmith firm that offers all four of the above specialty areas as well as 24-hour emergency care. Whether you are dealing with an emergency situation or simply want to upgrade your security, a well-established and skilled lock professional is always good to have nearby!

Article source here: WHAT LOCKSMITHS DO

LOCKED OUT? WHEN IS IT TIME TO CALL A LOCKSMITH?

Keys, phone, wallet. We keep that mantra in the back of our mind as a reminder whenever we walk out the door. And we remember every time…until that one time…when…we totally forget. Oh no! Locked out! Suddenly realizing that you’re locked out ~ whether from your car, your home, or your business ~ it doesn’t matter whose fault it is, it’s never convenient and always unnerving, especially after hours. But there’s no reason to allow yourself to get upset. Don’t waste your valuable time!

First, call that trusted friend of yours who always keeps your spare key around for you. If you don’t already have a person like that, then you’ll have to go look for a door or window you’ve left open. Maybe you’ll get yourself right back in. But…if you’re not that fortunate, and you’re still stuck, read on.

Any place you’re stranded, particularly after dark, you may be worrying and wondering whether the help you need will ever arrive at all. But don’t waste your valuable time and energy. Should you actually entertain the idea of breaking a window, risking being mistaken for a robber? Of course not! Plan ahead, and you’ll avoid this whole scenario!

Before an emergency happens, find a dependable locksmith. The best thing for you to do is to locate a highly regarded locksmith before you need one! Do your homework in advance, and you’ll avoid getting overcharged or scammed.

Ask friends for their recommendations. Word of mouth from satisfied customers is the right way to go.

Find a responsible local locksmith company. If you can’t get a good recommendation from someone you trust, then do your research. Check the phone book, and search the Web.

Make a list of the potential locksmith companies in your area, with street addresses and phone numbers. Choose locksmiths that specialize in the services you need, and confirm that each address truly belongs to each locksmith. A disreputable company might give out a phony address, claiming it’s local when it really isn’t. So, using the Internet, be sure to match each street address with its phone number. If a person answers your call with a basic greeting such as “locksmith services,” instead of the company name, then ask to know the legal name of the business. If that individual doesn’t give you a satisfying answer, then cross off that locksmith from your list. Note also: A perfectly good locksmith may decide not to include its street address, because the business is mobile, dispatching a professional locksmith who’s local to each customer. Therefore, if an address isn’t given, simply find out why.

You can also ask the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints exist. Consult your local consumer protection agency, too, as well as your state’s attorney general’s office.

Are you locked out of your vehicle? If you have a membership in a roadside assistance company, call it immediately. Roadside assistance organizations always keep a list of pre-approved subcontractors who are already known to be reliable for expertly performing standard services, such as unlocking your automobile, giving your car a jump, and so forth.

If you don’t belong to a roadside assistance organization, then find a conscientious automotive locksmith specialist, who possesses the expertise required to replace your car keys and car locks, to install a new ignition cylinder, to program your transponder “chip” key, and so on.

Request an estimate. Even if you find yourself in a lockout emergency, you should always ask for a written quote before you allow any work to begin. It ought to include parts, if any; labor; and extra fees, if applicable. A legitimate locksmith will tell you either a precise cost or ballpark estimate on the telephone. There could be a minimum charge; there may be an extra fee for after-hours work; and there might be a fee for mileage. Upon arrival, if the price the locksmith gives you doesn’t match the price you were told over the phone, then it’s thanks but no thanks.

Confirm the locksmith’s credentials. When the locksmith comes, ask for a business card, identification, and proof of license. The invoice should include the company name. Verify that the name on the locksmith’s vehicle is the same as what’s on the invoice and the business card. To follow correct security procedures, the locksmith must unquestionably authenticate your identity. Before any work can begin, you’ll be required to show your ID and prove that you’re the property owner ~ whether of your car, your home, or your commercial building.

Be skeptical of any locksmith’s claim that a lock has to be drilled or replaced in an emergency. An accomplished professional locksmith will bring the right tools, and be experienced enough to know that such extreme measures are probably excessive. A bona fide locksmith is absolutely qualified to unlock just about anything.

A prime locksmith is suitably insured, fully licensed, officially certified, appropriately bonded, and thoroughly background-checked. If your property were to be damaged during a service call, or if the locksmith were to perform unacceptable work, the locksmith must show proof of insurance. Accordingly, find out if there is a warranty.

When you do find a first-rate locksmith, keep that company’s information for your future reference ~ in your smart phone, on your fridge, in your wallet, and at the break room’s bulletin board at work. That way, you’ll always be able to get out of trouble if any problems come up with locks and keys ~ automotive, residential, or commercial.

Whether you seek a proficient locksmith in an emergency, or if you must hire a locksmith technician to work on a special project, you don’t want to hire just anyone when it comes to addressing problems with keys and locks. An exceptional locksmith will be happy to answer all your questions. If you’re anywhere in Schaumburg, Illinois, hire a reputable locksmith company such as Schaumburg Locksmith, where staff mobile locksmiths work 24/7 to provide automotive, residential, commercial, and emergency locksmith solutions. Free consultations are available.

Article source here: LOCKED OUT? WHEN IS IT TIME TO CALL A LOCKSMITH?

Schaumburg Locksmith: How to Know Better Security is Needed

Schaumburg Locksmith has a skilled team of professionals who work hard to provide important services to locals who are looking to enjoy better security. Their services can be taken advantage of by commercial property owners, residential property owners and even vehicle owners throughout Schaumburg, Illinois. No matter what sort of property you own, you don’t want the items inside to get taken away from you. If you have a business with money in it, then you need a safe that will hide the cash from potential criminals. If you have a home with valuable items like jewelry or dangerous items like a weapon, then you need a fireproof or water resistant safe there as well. There are so many solutions that can enhance the security of your property. Here are some ways that you can know you need to do something to improve yours.

1. You recently bought a new home, whether that means new real estate for you or a previously owned property. It is so important that you swap out the locks or at the very least, rekey them, if you are just moving into a new place. Why? Think about how many people might have been accessing said property. How many contractors have had to go in and out to fix little problems or to ensure proper maintenance? How many realtors were in and out with clients, showing the home before you purchased it? If the house ever had a lock box on the outside, then you can trust that many people were able to access the inside of the home, at least at one point or another. So take things into your own hands and have the locks rekeyed or replaced. If you bought a new home, you need to consider your security!

1. Another sign that you need better security solutions is that you don’t feel at ease while inside of your property, or when you are out for the day. You shouldn’t be worried that someone can easily break in. If you live in a safe area but have a feeling that something is off, then it is a wise idea to get on the phone with a lock and security expert. They can come out to do an inspection and point out areas which are lacking security. The answer might be as simple as having a deadbolt set up. Or it could be that you are missing functional locks on your sliding glass door. Talking to a professional can certainly provide insight and guidance as to what to do.

1. Locks appear to be damaged. Do you see rust on your locks? Are they breaking? It’s time to replace locks if they are clearly falling apart. If you can see that they are falling apart, so can a potential criminal.

1. You have weapons at your property, or a wad of cash that is out in the open. Having money sitting around at your place of work is a recipe for disaster. Owning a commercial property likely means often times having people you don’t know in and out the front door. You can trust just anyone. And having a weapon at your property that isn’t locked away in a safe can mean that it can end up in the wrong hands. If you have important, high end items that aren’t locked away, then you need better security. If you have money sitting out in the open, then you definitely need better security. Talking to a professional can provide ideas on solutions that will be helpful.

1. You have dealt with a break in. Break-ins are very scary. They make you feel like you’ve been violated, and you might feel unsafe being at home for quite some time. While having a police officer regularly patrol your street is great, it is also a good idea to have locks fixed and new locks installed. Rekeying locks can give you peace of mind if your key was taken. Lock replacement can give you even more peace of mind. Maybe your next step is to have an alarm system installed, or a keyless entry system that alerts authorities when an incorrect code has been entered one too many times. Just know that if your home, business property or car have been broken into, you need to take measures to improve your security. And proven solutions are only a phone call away.

If you are concerned about any of the aforementioned points, then you likely need to do something to improve your security. You might have nothing more than a gut feeling, but remember that these feelings are often times right that something is off. If you are located in or work in Schaumburg, IL then you can get on the phone with the wonderful experts at Schaumburg Locksmith for trusted assistance. Do you live somewhere else in the country or have an office elsewhere? Then you can easily pull up your local locksmith online, or you can ask trusted friends who they recommend for the job. It is so important that you pay mind to the proper protection of your belongings, yourself and your family. As a business owner, you are responsible for the people who come to your property, at least, to a certain degree. That is why it is critical to talk about the options you have with a professional. Ask an expert about why you need panic bars at your place of work to help keep people protected, and to help improve security. Ask a professional why you might be able to benefit from garage locks and patio locks. Talk about the concerns that you have, and about any parts of your property that just don’t seem to be as secure as they can be. You might be surprised at the information you find – often times, people are pointed in the direction of security solutions they never even knew existed!

Article source here: Schaumburg Locksmith: How to Know Better Security is Needed

The Advantages of Commercial Keyless Locks

Trying to determine which types of locks to use for your business can be a daunting task, especially considering there are far more options available to businesses now than ever. There are several things that most business owners consider when they are trying to improve the quality of their security. They take into consideration, cost, efficiency and convenience. With convenience in mind, many businesses are opting for keyless locks. You will often find these types of locks in areas that are frequented often by the public, such as, hospitals, schools and government buildings. With keyless locks, you are able to quickly get people in and out. This affords many the level of convenience they are seeking.

 

Advantages of Keyless Locks

 

1. When an employee leaves, there are no keys to rekey or locks to change.

1. The fear of keys being lost or stolen is eliminated

1. No re-entry without the proper code or fob

1. There is no key to duplicate

1. You don’t have to waste time searching for a key when you arrive home late

1. You can allow access at specific times and on specific days

1. You can design a master fob key program

1. Specific employees can be added or deleted from the system so that they can no longer gain access. Other employees are not affected.

1. You can program a keyless lock to allow employees access during specific hours not to include after-hours access

1. You can grant management and other employees access to certain parts of the building

1. Theft is minimized

1. You have a record of anyone who comes in and out of your building

1. The amount of people in your building can be monitored

 

Most locksmith companies offer the installation of keyless locks. Considering the many advantages that this type of lock affords businesses, it is no wonder they are more popular than ever.

Types of Keyless Locks

 

Electronic Keypad Locks

Electronic keypad locks are very popular today. The advantages of having this type of lock include the following:

1. If someone becomes aware of your employee code, the code can be removed from one central location and a new one can quickly be programmed

1. Specific codes can be assigned to each employee

1. There is no hard-wiring needed in order to install an electronic keyless lock and therefore it is less expensive to have installed

1. Since it is battery operated, it can be replaced quite easily and quickly

1. Will be able to see who has been in and out of your building at any given time and day

1. When there is a power outage, you can still gain access

1. Most models offer a lock override feature for emergency situations

With so many advantages to businesses, it is no reason that more and more businesses are found with electronic keypads.

Electronic Keypad Lever Combo

This is another great option to consider when you are trying to determine which type of keyless lock will be best suited for your needs. Here are some of the advantages of an Electronic Keypad Lever Combo.

 

1. Employees are able to use a code or a fob card to gain access

1. Some can be programmed based on proximity

1. There is often an emergency override feature that enables you to open the door in emergency situations

1. There are battery operated systems available

1. A code can be quickly changed when necessary

1. Keep track of everyone entering your building

1. It can be less expensive to install if it is one of the models that do not require hard-wiring. If you are on a budget, shop for the ones that are not hard-wired.

 

You may be looking at the above and thinking just how similar the latter is to the electronic keypad. While there are certainly some similarities, there are also some additional lock types worth taking a look at.

 

Manual Keypad Locks

 

Not only are these types of lock popular with business owners; they have become more popular amongst homeowners also. If you’re wondering why this is the case, perhaps these advantages are the reason.

 

1. Both the deadbolt and knob are combined

1. The codes can be changed as needed

1. Small business seem to find this keyless lock to be easy to use and program

1. The deadbolt version of this keyless lock lets you keep the door unlocked at specific times of the day

1. Doesn’t require batteries

1. The storeroom version locks as soon as you exit the room

Intercom Systems

 

With an intercom system, you can speak directly to whomever is attempting to gain access inside. It is a great way to enhance your existing security. This is yet another option that many homeowners are finding appealing. At Schaumburg Locksmith in Schaumburg, IL we are finding that more homeowners are requesting an intercom system now more than ever. In some cases, the locksmith is able to use the electric wiring you already have to connect your intercom system. Any qualified locksmith will be able to effectively hook up an intercom system. Visitors are able to use a fob card or keycard. Most of the time you will see this type of system on condominiums or apartment buildings. Tenants are given the chance to screen their visitors by way of the intercom system. At this point they have control over who comes into their home or not. Again, the tenants name can be quickly added and removed from the list on the call box. Adding and removing the names of tenants from the call box is considered to be a part of the buildings routine maintenance of the access control-system. This is another type of system that a locksmith is capable of installing for you.

 

With a host of options available to you, there is no doubt that you’ll be able to find what you are looking for when shopping for a keyless lock for your business.

Article source here: The Advantages of Commercial Keyless Locks

Commercial Safes – What You Need To Know!

Commercial safes are an integral part of so many local Schaumburg, IL local businesses. Does your company have or use one? It should! Keep reading and we’ll tell you why. Safes are aptly named; they secure and keep “safe” items that are of value to us and to our firms. This includes every size and type of local business no matter what industry you are in or how many staff members you employ. Here at Schaumburg Locksmith we consult with and service dozens of local firms and help them to secure their documents, cash and other items from perils of all kinds. From art galleries to plumbers, local businesses can enjoy better protection for their important property by using a good commercial safe.

Put Anything You Want In Your Safe!

In the movies, safes are shown as repositories for cash and lots of it! Whether your business has extra cash needing to be safeguarded or not, you can still take advantage of a commercial safe. Anything of value to you, your staff, investors or customers can be kept in a commercial safe. This includes cash, jewelry, art, guns, receipts, documents, credit cards, appraisals, deeds of trust, legal documents, titles, stock certificates and much more. Even treasure heirlooms and personal items meant for safekeeping are good candidates for your commercial safe.

Does your business take cash or credit cards? Too much money on hand is an invitation for disaster. Employee theft, burglars, and dishonest customers can wreak havoc on your bottom line by helping themselves to your poorly monitored and accounted for cash flow. It’s best to put this money into a commercial safe until a bank deposit can be made or an armored truck can pick it up.

Safes Come In Many Forms

Television shows and movies often show wall or floor safes in banks, businesses and mansions. Schaumburg Locksmith sells, repairs, and services these popular safes for our many commercial customers. Some safes are built into the floor and are perfect for cash dropping when cash registers are cleared after a shift. Some safes use combination dials to gain access while others have a simple slot or drawer that opens for a “drop” until items can be removed to a bank or vault. Safes can be built into walls, floors, cabinets, ceilings, or just stand freely on its own. Our family owned shop offers dozens of safe sizes and types including fire safes, rotary hopper safes, counter safes, floor safes, mailbox drop safes, security safes, drop drawer safes and many others. Having so many choices can be a headache for you as a business owner (like you need another thing to think about!). Which safe is right for you and your business? How much should you spend and where should you put it? Not to worry – Schaumburg Locksmith offers free consultations so that all of your questions can get answers. We also offer affordable pricing, same day service and even 24-hour emergency help.

Which Safe Is Right For Your Business?

Does your business even need a safe? To many, a locking desk drawer or file cabinet represents security for their valuables or cash. In an effort to save money or time, business operators can resort to hiding cash bags in drawers, behind doors, in glove compartments or even behind books or in boxes. All it takes is one careless act where a staff member or customer sees this and you can “kiss” that money goodbye! Also, file cabinet and desk locks are easy to pry open or smash open with a hammer or screw driver. The same goes for glove compartment locks. A much smarter way is to simply have a commercial safe added to your premises. Our Schaumburg Locksmith commercial experts can help you choose the right model and type for your particular needs. Since your new safe is a commercial expense it is most likely tax deductible so be sure to keep your documentation and receipts for purchase.

Local firms come in many different forms. A farmer’s market stand which takes in cash is much different from a fine restaurant that mainly works with credit cards. A title company deals with sensitive information from credit reports, titles and other sensitive documents whereas jewelry stores may have gems, cash and appraisals that need protecting. It’s best to think through your company’s unique safe needs. Discuss your thoughts and questions with a licensed commercial locksmith in Schaumburg like one from our shop. We regularly service the safe and vault needs of dozens of local businesses and Schaumburg Locksmith can expertly and affordably help yours, too.

Smart Safe Tips

Commercial safes can do more than just protect valuables from theft or crime. They can also help with safekeeping from fire, flood, heat and smoke. High tech firms can keep flash drives, servers, hard drives and other data safe from perils of all kinds. Personal and sensitive information can be held for law firms, medical offices, research companies and law enforcement. If you are involved in any type of activity where you need to protect valuable technology, be sure to work with our Schaumburg Locksmith experts to secure your data and records professionally and affordably. We offer fire safes, biometric fingerprint safes, commercial gun safes, electronic safes and many more.

Other Safe Options

You can purchase safes online or right here in town. Major retailers like Sears, Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Office Max can often help. Keep in mind that their prices usually don’t reflect delivery or installation costs. Also, their customer service and security assistance will be limited at best. Actual safe stores offer more specialized knowledge and assistance along with help getting your safe installed. Their prices are generally higher than retail stores. Be sure to check reviews online at Amazon or E-Bay for the types and models you may be interested in. Even if you don’t buy your safe there, it’s smart to see what others have experienced.

Article source here: Commercial Safes – What You Need To Know!

THE BEST WAYS TO SECURE YOUR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

You may think that the only way to keep your home secure is to install an alarm system. Definitely an alarm system is a highly efficient way to protect your place of residence. However, there are numerous other effective ways to secure your home, which you can do yourself (or hire a professional to carry out) without spending very much money. Of course, your home can never be absolutely impermeable, so just keep your goal simple: Discourage potential burglars, and make it as difficult as possible for someone to break in. Be sure to involve the whole family, too, so that everyone at home cooperates to follow the security plan you establish.

 

Follow these basic home rules:

• Anytime you leave the house, and before you go to sleep, it’s important to lock the doors and windows.
• Don’t answer the door, unless you know the person. (If you don’t have a peephole, now’s the time to get one installed.)
• Unless you’re using it, always keep your garage door closed and locked. Leaving it open only tempts potential intruders.

 

We recommend these lines of defense:

Don’t keep keys and remotes near your door, or in any way visible to anyone outside. Instead, keep them hidden inside a drawer or cupboard.

Don’t keep a “hidden” key. Most thieves will quickly find a key you keep inside your mailbox or under the welcome mat. If you have a keyholder disguised as a real rock, expert robbers will probably already recognize it. Instead, give an extra key to a neighbor you trust.

Don’t leave any ladders outside. An intruder may pretend to be a contractor or handyman, and use your ladder to get through your second-floor window or balcony.

Make it difficult for a trespasser to hide. Keep your shrubs, hedges, trees, and all other plants properly trimmed. Also, avoid tall fences. You don’t want anyone to be able to hide.

Properly secure your air conditioner. You can prevent a robber from getting into an unsecured window by applying an air-conditioner bracket, corner braces, or a sliding window lock.

A barking dog can be a good deterrent. You might even play a recording of a dog barking, and post a sign that says “BEWARE OF DOG”!

Post a warning sign at your front door. This strategy is often enough to keep people away: “NO TRESPASSING” is the usual, but you could be more imaginative, putting up something like, “TRESPASSERS WILL BE SHOT.”

Outside, don’t keep valuables in plain sight, which will only tempt a potential thief. For instance, keep your luxury car safe inside the garage.

Inside, hide valuables well. Keep your curtains and blinds closed if you have any extraordinary possessions. Stash your emergency cash, expensive jewelry, and other treasures in unexpected locations. Be creative.

Reinforce your doors. A hollow door is of lower quality than a solid one, and thus it makes it easier for a burglar to break in. Your best bet is to install solid-core doors made of metal or wood.

Replace any weak locks. Deadbolts will always provide you with extra security. Be sure to install grade-2 deadbolt locks, which penetrate the doorframe. Heavy-duty is tougher and more dependable.

Avoid having windows on or near your doors. Windows are obviously vulnerable because they can be broken for entry. If your doors have any glass, install top-quality deadbolts. If you have any sliding-glass doors, even if they’re locked with a latch, they can often be tempting to a potential intruder. You can increase security by putting a wooden dowel cut to size, or an adjustable safety bar, in the floor track. Or, you can add a floor bolt.

Install exterior lighting. Install some lights, and put them on timers. Put them near the front door, the porch, back door, basement door, garage entrance, and any other entryway. Motion sensor floodlights are best, because they light up whenever a person passes by. Some outdoor lights are made to respond to changes in light, temperature, or sound. Not only that, some can even be connected to your smart device so no matter where you are, you’ll be able to detect undesirable activity and respond right away.

Whenever you’re not home, keep some indoor lights on. When you’re out for the day, or away for a longer time, you can make it look like somebody is still at home by using timers on your lights, radios, and TVs. You can even monitor and control these activities with a mobile app connected to your smart device, to keep your home looking as if it’s occupied the whole time you’re gone.

Don’t be too obvious. Professional thieves case neighborhoods before pulling a job, observing individuals’ comings and goings. If they see you’re home during the day, they’ll be likely to choose another house. Compare your home to your neighbors’ and adjust your façade accordingly. Display responsible upkeep rather than opulence.

 

These are more pricey, but worth considering:

Purchase a home safe, especially one anchored to the floor, to guard any irreplaceable valuables, crucial documents, or emergency cash. The best ones are waterproof and fireproof. A safety deposit box at your bank is also a good idea.

Add an electronic gate. Depending on your neighborhood, you may want to invest in a security gate, so you can monitor the movement of everyone who comes in. With a simple intercom system, a keypad, or additional more sophisticated measures, you can grant different levels of security clearance to people based upon criteria you establish.

A surveillance camera system can also be a worthwhile investment, if you feel the need. Depending on your budget and requirements, consider image resolution, and other technical aspects of your setup. Will you want to record and keep 24/7 video footage? Will you want sophisticated software with specific capture capabilities ~ such as time-and-date stamp code, facial recognition, vehicle number plate recognition, and so on? All these aspects will depend on your area, your property, and your pocketbook. When a person with criminal intentions sees your property’s access control system, they’ll think twice and move on.

 

Do your homework:

There are still plenty more relatively affordable and easy ways to enhance your home’s security. To learn more about your options, if you’re located anywhere in Schaumburg, Illinois, request a free consultation from a reputable locksmith company. Schaumburg Locksmith, for example, has mobile locksmith professionals on staff 24/7 to assist you.

Article source here: THE BEST WAYS TO SECURE YOUR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

Schaumburg Locksmith: How to Deal With A Car Key Stuck in the Ignition

Imagine yourself in this scenario: you drive for several hours to get to the spot you and your friend or family agreed to for a nice getaway trip, eager to get to your hotel room for the night so you can get some sleep and then go exploring in the morning. You’ve had a long drive, and you can’t wait to just climb into bed and relax. Or, you get home after a long day at work, ready to get inside and cook some dinner. In both situations, you are happy to be at your destination. But then a problem arises…when you go to cut the ignition, because you finally arrived to your destination (wherever that might be), you realize that the key is stuck. You try to pull it out, but it doesn’t budge. You try the trick of gently moving the steering wheel from one side to the other, but it doesn’t loosen the key. It is completely trapped. What are you supposed to do?

Call in an expert!

Schaumburg Locksmith is an experienced locksmith in Schaumburg, IL that offers some suggestions. These are beneficial for those all over the country who are dealing with a car key that is trapped in the ignition. You can try to avoid breaking the key or doing any damage to your vehicle. Of course, if you don’t want to deal with it at all, you can just pick up the phone and call a local lock and security provider to help you. Many companies offer 24 hour a day emergency assistance for problems such as this. How convenient!

Steps to take

What you don’t want to do is pull the key too hard. You can end up breaking parts that are important. If the key truly can’t be removed, then ignition cylinder replacement is generally the next step. But here are some things to try if your key is stuck in the ignition (remember to first try moving the steering wheel from side to side in the event that the key is locked in)…

1. Check the position of the key. Is the key in the lock position? Ignition cylinders can start to show signs of age, meaning they can get easier to turn over time. If your key has heavy objects attached to it on the same key ring, you could be putting too much pressure on the ignition cylinder over time. One way to prevent putting too much pressure and weight on the ignition cylinder is to avoid having heavy key chains attached to the same key ring as your transponder key. This might sound simple, but one might be surprised at how many people are lugging things around they don’t need.

1. Make sure that the problem isn’t something else, such as a dead battery. If you noticed a dashboard light go on, you might have a dead battery, which could prevent you from removing the key. It sounds simple enough, but when a person is in a state of panic, they might neglect to check the basics.

1. Note your parking position. If you can’t get the car into the park position, meaning you are still able to move the gearshift lever even though the car is turned off, there might be a problem with the linkage being worn out.

1. You can attempt to use a household object to loosen the key. If you happen to carry around pliers or a bobby pin, you might be able to use them to wiggle the key out of the cylinder. If you have some sort of oil or electrical lube, you could use these in an attempt to loosen the key as well.

1. Assuming your vehicle is turned off, you can attempt to start the car again, and then turn the wheel in either direction. Sometimes, this helps when it comes to removing the key.

1. Try WD-40. While the issue with your key being stuck could in fact be the console – over an extended period of time, wires can become loose, and then the vehicle will not recognize if you have shifted into the park position. If you have determined already that wiring is not the issue at hand, then you could try spraying WD-40 into the key hole. This can add the lube you need to get the key loose.

These are just some of the things to look into if your key is stuck in the ignition. It is easy to become panicked and to want to force the key out by pulling it excessively – do not do this. Try to take a deep breath, stay calm, and try the steps listed. You should also be able to reach out to a locksmith in Schaumburg, Illinois or wherever you happen to be located, as they tend to offer 24/7 emergency assistance as previously mentioned.

It shouldn’t matter if you drive an Acura, Audi, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Chrysler or any other vehicle. The steps to take are the same. No one wants to have to deal with being stuck somewhere because of a problem that was completely out of their control. The safest option is generally to call in a professional as they will know what they are doing and will not cause any damage to your car. A good piece of advice is to keep the phone number of a local locksmith saved in your smartphone, whether you live in Schaumburg, Illinois or anywhere else. You can never know when 24 hour a day emergency service might be needed.

Bring any questions to a locksmith. If you are in Illinois, don’t forget about Schaumburg Locksmith. Experts will be able to walk you through steps and then dispatch a professional to your location so that you can get back on the road again in no time if you are located in the area.

Article source here: Schaumburg Locksmith: How to Deal With A Car Key Stuck in the Ignition