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

How Access Control Benefits You

Access control systems are extremely helpful and beneficial to companies, institutions and organizations.  This type of secure gives access to a specific group of people. It separates those who have the authority to gain access from those who do not. It is an effective method for making sure that not just anyone off the street can wander in and out of your property.  A Schaumburg, IL locksmith, like Schaumberg Locksmith, is able to provide you with information about the options available to you for access control systems. An access control system doesn’t use a key, which is an added bonus. Keys can be lost, stolen, copied or forgotten. Access control uses personal characteristics to identify who you are or a specific access code.

With this type of system, you are able to monitor who is coming and going.  If there are things missing from inside your building, knowing who has access can narrow down your search.  In many cases, having access-controlled doors can be a way to stop someone from attempting to gain access. If you want to protect confidential information, this is a great way to ensure that you are able to do so, by restricting access. The newest technology allows access by way of bar codes, smart cards, digital cameras and magnetic striping.

If you are a business owner or are responsible for the security of a particular facility, it may be helpful to have information to help you see the benefits of installing an electronic access control system. Here are a few of  the most beneficial reasons to have this type of security.

Difficulty in Duplicating Keys

Since your average standard key can easily be duplicated, you might consider eliminating this threat by having a access control system. Electronic keys are not that easy to duplicate. This means that you minimize the possibility of anyone being able to breach the system designed to protect you against unauthorized access.

No Change of Locks

When there is an electronic user database, you do not have to worry about changing locks. Whenever a key car is lost or stolen, the persons name or number is easily removed from the systems database. This doesn’t mean that a new one cannot be reissued, it can. When someone is terminated from employment or they resign, their access can be quickly denied. Being able to do this in a matter of seconds, means that you do not have security stand by the door to make sure the employ no longer has access.

Easy Access Granted

Once you receive your access card or code, you will be able to use it anywhere you have been granted permission. You don’t have to change the code or use a different key every time you go through a different door.  If you are ever denied access, the network operator can immediately add you to the system so that you are able to gain access.

Avoid Windshield Time

Whenever your technician needs to gain access to another building in order to take care of an emergency situation, they can be remotely added to the network right away. This means that there is no time involved in going back in forth in order to physically pick up a key.

Entry Log

If it is important to know who is coming and going, having access control system automatically keeps a record for you. This is very beneficial if you are noticing things missing and if you need to monitor a person’s response time. You don’t have to have a person signing people in and out in order to verify who has been inside. This saves you money in the long run.

Customizable 

You are able to determine exactly which areas of your business a specific person can have access to. There may be employees who need access to every part of the business where others only need access to two or three areas of the business. You can also program how long a person has access to a particular area. This means that you can grant temporary employees access for a specific amount of days. This is useful especially when you use temporary employees regularly.

Remote Access

Access control is all about security and convenience. Most access control systems will allow remote access. This means that access can be gained without anyone being on the premises. This is performed from a central terminal. This provides companies with another layer of convenience while still being able to monitor the business.

 

Faster Access

Rather than having to look for keys or figuring out which key opens which door, access control allows you to quickly gain entry.

We have presented some compelling reasons to consider access control for your business. If you have had problems in the past with theft internally, this could be the answer to your problem. While some people may steer clear of this type of system for fear of it costing too much, just remember it is an investment, just like your business. If you want to protect your business, you’ll need to make the decisions that are going to be best for you in the long run. There are so many options that are available to you now that it is possible to find an access control system that will fit your budget. If you shop around or ask a Schaumberg, IL locksmith service about acquiring this type of system for your business, they will be able to offer you the most useful and practical suggestions on what to look for and how to get exactly what you want.  The process of buying an access system because you can program it the way you would like. It’s nice to be able to put your own stamp on things, especially when you are making a major investment that can benefit you. Take your time to make sure you’re able to find the right access system for you so that you are able to get your money’s worth.

Article source here: How Access Control Benefits You

KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM BENEFITS

Locks and keys go together like peanut butter and jelly. You insert a key, the lock opens. You insert the same key; the lock closes and becomes sealed. Locking mechanisms go back thousands of years and ancient cultures used them effectively as a deterrent against theft and piracy. We still use locks and keys to this day but now technology has improved to the point where some locks can be operated with no keys and even remotely! Are keyless locks for the lazy? No! They are actually quite efficient and come with many benefits which we’ll explain in this post.

RESIDENTIAL KEYLESS ENTRY

Keyless entry can be used in autos, homes and business locations. Using this form of locking technology gives you better control over your property as it can be altered to fit your particular needs. Take for instance your home. Many modern residences use keyless entry to gain access to the house. This system is often used in high rise apartments and condos but can be on single family homes as well. It eliminates the need to carry a variety of keys with your as a simple key code is entered into the door’s keypad. Most full service Schaumburg, IL locksmiths can install keyless entry at your home, auto or business.

Imagine; no more hiding keys under the door mat or in a flowerpot where any burglar can find them. No more lost keys either! One key code can work for an entire family or household or your keypad can be programmed so that every person has a different code and you can tell who came home and when. Think about it; every time a house key is lost and replaced, it is still “out there” somewhere and can be used again, too. Most kids today will find using a keypad fun and useful too! We all know families where Jr. got home early from band practice and didn’t have a key or where Mom or Dad left their key ring at work. Don’t panic if you love keys; you can still keep and use your keys as a backup if nothing else.

COMMERCIAL USE

Here in Schaumburg, IL keyless entry lets commercial staff and management dispense with ponderous key rings and allows for better entry and exit tracking for both guests and staff. We are all familiar with the mental image of the building janitor with his bucket, mop and huge key ring. Now those keys can be replaced, not only for him but for everyone from mailroom to executive. Keypads are not the only method of gaining entry. Swiping a card is just as useful. In fact, many of these key cards can also double as employee badges.

Some of these card systems are known as “edge devices” and they include biometric fingerprint scanners, magnetic strip card

that can be swiped and even retina scans. Equipment like this not only can be used as keyless entry, it also collects data from the user and then turns this information into a code or number that is then collected for records and research. Each user can be approved and allowed to enter or denied access such as unwanted intruders, previous staff and unauthorized visitors. It’s not only residential and commercial users that are benefiting from keyless entry; institutions are now using it as well. This includes hospitals, schools, universities and even government buildings and facilities.

KEYLESS ENTRY IN CARS

Many cars today use keyless entry and keyless remotes and it is often listed as an upgrade for luxury car purchases. What’s the appeal of automotive keyless entry other than being different and new? One big plus is that it is a very effective theft deterrent. It’s a myth that you can try one key code after another until you get the right one and then gain access. In reality, the system will either shut down or sound an alarm if the wrong code is entered. This works much like entering the wrong password on an online bank account and after two or more wrong attempts the account locks and you must then contact the bank. Keyless entry systems are also well built and with nothing to “pick” open, it is doubly frustrating for thieves and robbers trying to access your vehicle or its contents.

CONVENIENCE AND DURABILITY

Keyless entry systems for home, auto and business let you dispense with keys and the hassle involved in using them and keeping them safe from breakage, damage or loss. If a key code is forgotten a passkey can still be used. Keyless entry hardware is durable, well made and built for all weather situations. They discourage burglary as there is nothing to pick open or pry open and the technology involved can easily sense if too many attempts at entry have been made.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Not every locksmith can handle keyless entry. Be sure to check around and find a shop that is not only licensed, bonded and insured, they are experienced and comfortable installing, servicing and repairing keyless entry systems for home, business and automotive use. Here at Schaumburg Locksmith we offer a full range of keyless entry systems as well as keyless remotes, batteries and accessories. We offer free price quotes along with free consultations where you can learn if keyless entry is right for your needs and budget. If you want to use another locksmith shop just be sure that they explain all the best applications of keyless entry as well as the pros and cons of each type and model. Get price quotes, warranty coverage and product guarantees from the locksmith shop that you choose to work with. It’s also wise to stock up on the correct size of lithium batteries for your system as they will need replacement every 3 to 5 years depending on use.

Don’t be shy; ask questions of your Schaumburg, IL locksmith and make an informed decision as to how to best apply keyless entry into your life so that it adds both security, visual appeal and convenience to your everyday routine.

Article source here: KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM BENEFITS

HOW TO FIND A GOOD LOCKSMITH

Look for a locksmith before an emergency happens. The best way to find a trustworthy and legitimate local locksmith is to look before you need one. Do you want to enhance the security of your home or business? Perhaps you want to upgrade your locks to deadbolts, get bump-proof locks, or a keypad. It could be time to change all your locks for any number of reasons. Maybe it’s time to augment your security with an anchored safe, a smart key system, video surveillance, or an intercom system. Whatever the case may be, you need to do your homework to avoid getting scammed or overcharged.

Ask family, friends, and colleagues for their recommendations. Word of mouth from a satisfied customer is always your best bet.

Start with the usual method. Look for a local locksmith company in the phone book or on the Internet, or call directory assistance. If you have the business address, verify that the address actually belongs to that locksmith. Sometimes a disreputable company will list a street address, saying it’s local when it’s really not. You can match phone numbers with street addresses using the Web. If someone answers the phone with a generic greeting such as “locksmith services,” rather than an actual company name, be on your guard. Ask for the legal name of the business, and if the person refuses, call another locksmith.

It’s important to investigate carefully, because some perfectly legitimate locksmith companies simply may not include a street address in their listing because they operate a mobile business in order to dispatch one of their professional locksmiths who is local to you. Just be sure that when you call a locksmith without an address listed that you ask why there’s no address given.

Write down all the names of the potential locksmith companies you find, with their phone numbers and addresses for future reference, in case you don’t want to choose the first locksmith you call. Keep track of which locksmiths specialize in the services you’re seeking.

Remember that you can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints on file. You can also consult your local consumer protection agency and your state’s attorney general’s office.

In an emergency, such as being locked out of your car, you should call your roadside assistance service first, if you have one. Roadside assistance companies usually keep their own list of pre-approved reliable companies that they regularly subcontract with to send to you to perform standard services such as unlocking your vehicle, giving you a jump, etc., so if you’ve relied on this service before, you already know you can count on them to do exactly what you need.

Otherwise, look for a locksmith company that specializes in automotive lockouts and other automotive challenges such as replacing your car keys, programming transponder keys, installing a new ignition cylinder, and so forth.

Get a formal estimate first. No matter what the job will be ~ emergency or routine ~ always make sure before any work begins that you get a written estimate that includes all the parts, labor, and fees. If you’re locked out ~ of your home, your car, or your business ~ a legitimate locksmith will give you a ballpark estimate over the phone for the total cost of the work. Then, press for information about any additional charges before you hire the locksmith to do the work. There may be a minimum fee; extra fees for responding to a call after hours; a mileage charge; etc. If the price the locksmith gives you upon arrival doesn’t match up with the estimate you got by phone, say thanks but no thanks.

Check the locksmith’s credentials. When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, as well as a business card, and license. Make sure the locksmith’s invoice includes the company’s name, and confirm that the locksmith’s vehicle has a name on it that matches the business card and the invoice. For security purposes, the locksmith must ask you for your identification, too. A legitimate locksmith will verify your identity and make sure that you’re actually the genuine property owner prior to doing any work, whether it pertains to your vehicle, home, or business.

You’ll want to be sure the locksmith is a true professional ~ fully insured, properly licensed, appropriately bonded, and thoroughly background-checked. If your property were to be damaged during a service call, or if you were to see that the locksmith has done faulty work, the locksmith must have insurance to cover your losses. Depending on the service provided, the job may be backed by a warranty.

If you’re locked out, be doubtful of any locksmith’s claim that you’re going to have to drill or replace the lock. An expert locksmith who is legitimate will undoubtedly carry the right tools, and possess the depth of experience to know that such drastic moves aren’t necessary. An accomplished professional locksmith can unlock almost anything.

Once you’ve found a reputable locksmith, and you’ve had a good experience, keep that company’s name on hand for future reference ~ in your wallet, on the fridge, on the bulletin board at work, etc., so you’ll always be able to get yourself out of trouble whenever problems with locks and keys arise. Whether you need a locksmith for a one-time job, or you want to hire a dependable professional to work on an ongoing basis, of course you’ll want that person to be totally reliable. Whether it’s a locksmith service pertaining to your residence, automobile, or place of business, you certainly don’t want to allow access to just anyone when it comes to resolving issues with keys and locks.

If you’re not in a crisis with keys and locks at the moment, now’s the time to find the right locksmith! The best locksmiths will offer to give you a FREE consultation, so it doesn’t hurt to request one. Bring all your questions to the experts. At Schaumburg Locksmith, for instance, the mobile professional locksmith technicians carry out automotive, residential, commercial, and emergency services, 24/7, serving the customers of Schaumburg, Illinois.

Article source here: HOW TO FIND A GOOD LOCKSMITH

Access Control: Why It Is Mandatory

Access control is all about limiting entrance to a building, property or even just a room. It is keeping access restricted to specific people. Some companies take advantage of physical access control which can come in the form of a bouncer or security guard. You might see a security guard checking bags outside of a mall or even at a place of work. Bounces are often seen outside of bars and clubs. Businesses in Schaumburg, IL tend to take advantage of mechanical means of access control. Locksmiths are able to help when locals are in search of access control tips or features. Schaumburg Locksmith is one such business. It is certainly worth making a call to a professional to ensure that your property, whether a home or business, is kept protected. Whether you need access control installation, repair or just have questions, you will be able to get what you need from a local lock and security provider, and usually for a very competitive price tag.

Access control is essentially defined as being a physical barrier to a property. As mentioned, this barrier could be in the form of a human being, such as a bouncer. It could also be an elevator, a gate, locks or another means of protection. Have a look at more details about access control below, for instance, different forms that it comes in, why it is important and how it actually works. You are sure to be impressed, as this is cutting-edge technology that we are talking about!

Some Forms of Access Control

Here are some common forms of access control. You might have entered buildings in your local area that take advantage of these solutions. Rest assured, those properties are taking advantage of proper protection.

Electronic access control door – these sometimes have stand-alone electric locks. The door has a lock which can be opened by an operator with a switch. It could also use a reader such as a keypad with a code. In terms of these doors, usually one only has controlled entry, but anyone can exit the property. Of course, both entry and exit can be controlled so long as a second reader is installed on the door. A professional will be able to install and fix your access control system of choice.

Keypads – A keypad allows a person to get into a home or even an office space or car. You can give certain people access to your keypad by providing them with a code. If the wrong code is entered because an unwanted person is attempting to get into your property, you can have an alarm go off to alert you or authorities. This type of system is great to have for homes and commercial properties alike.

Remote Controlled Window Opener System – You could restrict access to certain people who you want to be able to open your property’s windows. Just give them the remote or a copy of the remote. This system is fairly self-explanatory.

Biometric and Fingerprint Door Access – Similar to the idea of being able to use your fingerprint to unlock your smartphone, you can use fingerprints to access doors. You can have these devices programmed so that they can read multiple fingerprints. Perhaps you want a few different trusted employees to have access to a certain room in your building. You can have everything set up so that their fingerprints can be read, and they will be able to gain entry to the specified area. Literally, all they have to do is place their finger up against the machine.

Ways of Verifying Information

A person can use a password or PIN to get into a property. They can also use a key fob or smart key or card. Or, they could use their fingerprints. These are the most common means of using mechanical access control. Needless to say, we live in a very technologically advanced world, and it is great to be able to reap the benefits in a positive way.

The Importance of Access Control

Everyone wants greater control over their belongings and property. Whether you opt to use cards, codes, fingerprint readers or keys, you will want to have convenience and control so that others are unable to access your belongings. Having a key is always great, but this gives people access to properties that goes untracked. When you have keypads and codes, you can restrict access to certain areas of properties, which is especially helpful for business owners who own buildings such as warehouses. Best of all, you can keep track of who is going in and out. Maybe you want a specific area shut off to certain people. You will be able to obtain this with access control. Often times, if an unwanted person tries to get into a property that is locked with a code or key, when they enter the wrong information, an alarm will go off. Homeowners and business owners alike can take advantage of this unique, technologically advanced feature for better protection. People once would primarily only see fingerprint technology for buildings in movies and on television, but now this is quite common, especially for one who owns a high-end building, or is in charge of a bank, warehouse or other space. Even some homes have keypad entry at the very front of their property. You can never be too safe.

Talk to a local locksmith in Schaumburg, IL about the importance of access control, and ask which features are available to you. You just might be impressed with how cost-effective some of these solutions actually are. They can make such a difference in terms of your peace of mind, and even convenience to your own property. Stay informed as to what is available, and take advantage of the

Article source here: Access Control: Why It Is Mandatory

Locksmith opens $250 safe using a magnet in a sock

By Matthew Humphries

If you want to protect your valuables at home, then investing in a safe is a good idea. At the very least it acts as an extra barrier and therefore deterrent if a thief manages to break into your home. However, that deterrent isn’t worth much when it takes less than 10 seconds to gain entry to many of the popular safes available on the market today.

The YouTube channel Mr. Locksmith is run by Terry Whin-Yates and focuses on locksmith training, including lockpicking and different opening methods. Terry is in the business of improving locksmithing and ensuring people’s valuables are kept safe. But he’s also keen to point out just how poor the securityproducts we rely on can be.

A case in point is the electronic sentry safes you can buy at most retailers for around $250. In the video below, Terry manages to open one in just a few seconds using a rare earth magnet in a sock. The fault? The manufacturers used a nickel solenoid in the locking mechanism.

If you have one of these safes at home, then your valuables may be protected from fire, but they aren’t safe from a thief carrying a magnet in a sock. It may be worth investing in a new safe, dependent of course on the value of what you are keeping inside.

Ultimately your choice of security comes down to how valuable the goods are you want to protect. Better security, be it a safe or a padlock, will cost more money. However, retailers are more than happy to overcharge you for inferior products. So as in all things, a little research goes a long way in not getting duped.

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