Tips to Prevent Burglaries

Based on recorded instances reported to police across a selection of 94 countries there were over 5,250,000 burglaries globally in 2014. Add into that any number of unreported crimes and clear under-reporting from some countries (Sierra Leone 625, Jordan 3, for example) and you get a very large figure indeed.

Now this may seem like a depressing statistic, but the good news is that a good deal of them could be prevented by following some simple steps. A combination of awareness, common sense and a little self-education can help you protect your home or business.

1.      Be overt with your solutions.

Burglars don't like security systems and unless they've deliberately selected you they will move on to an easier target. Signs work as a deterrent, whether it be 'alarm system installed', 'Warning: Smoke Screen', 'Beware of Dog', 'SmartWater in use' etc. Advertising the risks will make a burglar take the path of least resistance.

2.      Be aware of your surroundings.

By this we mean make sure windows and doors are closed and locked when you're not in (on all floors). Leave lights on, or have them on timers. Devices that mimic the flickering of TV screen are now readily available as well. Reduce the efficiency of their hiding places, like cropping back bushes and hedges.

Be aware of daytime scams as well, if someone suspicious knocks on your door, always use your door viewer and chain, ask for ID. Be polite, tell them you're not interested and ask that they leave. If they are particularly convincing then ask them to call back later while you call the company they are representing. Be mindful of distraction techniques as well. Someone could be trying to sneak in round the back while you are busy at the front door. Feign needing your glasses or fetching a letter or the like and quickly check (and lock) the other entrances.

3.      Actually have a working security system.

Fake cameras and boxes with flashing LEDs are all well and good, but you run a bit of a risk that experienced criminals might be able to discern them. A loud alarm, the prospect of being on CCTV footage or getting DNA-marked is enough to stop some burglars, the opportunistic ones in particular - though you might need something a bit more hardcore to stop a really determined one. For businesses a remote monitoring system works wonders.

For domestic, you could install motion-activated home security cameras so you can check on your home throughout the day using your phone. Plus, you'll receive an alert if the camera detects motion, so you can evaluate the situation immediately. Or you could just scare them witless with a security fog/strobe combo and be done with it (but we are going to say that aren't we!) Remember to arm your system each time. And test it regularly.

4.      Have bright lights.

Burglars hate bright lights. The brighter the better. And noise. They don't like loud noises either.

5.      Try and mix up your routine.

Be a bit unpredictable. This will totally unsettle anyone watching you or your business waiting for the opportune moment to strike. A recent study carried out in the United States suggests that most domestic robberies occur during daytime hours - between 10am and 3pm. Makes sense, most people will be at work or school reducing the chances of being seen / caught. Consider popping home for lunch some days.

Businesses should vary the times they make trips to the bank as well.

When you go on holiday make sure you ask a friend or neighbour to pop round now and again for a check, take out your rubbish etc.

6.      Get a dog.

Going back to point 1 for a moment, if you've got a 'Beware of the Dog' sign then why not get a dog as well. Your best friend, your security guard, your new fitness partner!

7.      Never hide a spare key outside.

It won't matter if it's under the mat, or cunningly concealed in that realistic rock. Leave one with a friend/neighbour instead.

8.      Use other hiding places.

Speaking of hiding, there are a whole host of affordable and effective concealment devices out there. The old faithful tin of beans, the fake plug socket. It's worth looking into these. Burglars want to be quick, in and out in minutes, they will go for the obvious first like jewellery and cash in the master bedroom. They certainly won't be in your food cupboard.

9.      Go for quality.

It may be tempting to get a security system installed on the cheap, but you'll regret scrimping on costs. Ideally you want good quality gear that conforms to Standards, installed by accredited engineers. Then you can guarantee it will at least work when needed. Rather than niggling over price, just consider how much value you put on the following: peace of mind, protecting your family, protecting your business / staff, protecting your stock, downtime with no stock, increased insurance fees. It's so important to get it right. Most companies offer a monthly fee so you don't always have to worry about finding a lump sum all at once.

The FBI conducted some research in 2014 that concluded the average amount (dollar value) stolen in each domestic burglary (US) was $2,251 - and that doesn't include repairs or emotional/psychological damage. Food for thought.

They also calculated that less than 14% of all burglaries (again US) resulted in an arrest, citing the extreme difficulty in solving this type of crime. And even if the criminal is caught, you may not get your property back.

The moral of this tale is that prevention is key. Stop them before they start.

Original Article Here: Tips to Prevent Burglaries

Related Article Here: Burglary Prevention Tips: Four Ways To Prevent Home Break-Ins

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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 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 of 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.

Original Article Here: Burglary Prevention Tips

Related Article Here: Tips: Home Security & Burglary Prevention

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Ignition Cylinder Problems; What to do About it!

In a way, your car’s ignition system is like the heart of the car. It sends the electrical pulses needed for the battery to run and for the engine to start and stop. All is good when your ignition cylinder does its job, but what about when it doesn’t? What then? The sad part is that you usually don’t know that you have ignition cylinder issues until you are inside the car, all buckled up and ready to go somewhere! Talk about plans thrown off-course; who needs that? Here at Locksmith Service Chamblee our automotive locksmith pros service vehicle ignitions on a regular basis. We understand how vital it is to have a reliable and safe working ignition system no matter what make or model of car you drive. While you are always free to call our shop here in Chamblee, GA there are a few things you can do on your own that may just resolve your ignition cylinder problem completely. Try these tips first, and then if you don’t get the results you need, call your favorite locksmith shop! 

Not my fault! 

If you turn the key and the ignition doesn’t start, it’s a faulty ignition system, right? Guess again! The real culprit could be any number of things so it’s best to go down the list and check them off as you go. Let’s start with your gear shift. In order to start your car, you absolutely must be in the right gear. This means PARK and nothing else. You can’t be almost in PARK and be off just a tad; you must be firmly in gear. Modern cars are built to exacting specifications when it comes to starters, gears and ignitions; there is no “almost in gear”; your gear shift must be in the place in order to start your engine. Many a locksmith or auto repair service call has been needlessly scheduled when all the customer had to do is wiggle the gear into PARK. In fact, people are injured and even killed when their out of gear vehicles roll forward or backward onto themselves or a loved one. Always remember to put your parking brake on when doing any kind of auto work or adjustments; all it takes is a second for your vehicle to lurch forward or roll! 

Check your steering wheel 

Often, the ignition key won’t turn because the steering wheel is locked. It’s easy to lean just a little too hard on the steering wheel while getting in or out of the car. Sometimes, this added pressure locks up the wheel temporarily. Not to worry; some pressure on the wheel will release this lock and allow you to start your ignition or remove your transponder key from the ignition lock. AAA reports that many service calls are in fact, due to this steering wheel locking up and that all the customer needed to do was move it back and forth. 

Your next step; check your battery! 

A low battery can cause ignition system problems. Check the power of your battery; the symptoms are often the same as having ignition problems; stuck key and the inability to start the engine. This test is very easy. Put your parking brake on and then with the engine off, try and turn on your headlights or your car radio. You can also test your windshield wipers, power windows or power seats. If they work as usual, it’s not your battery that’s the problem. 

Did you insert the right key? 

At first, this seems like an odd question. Of course you did or how else could the key go in? In reality, this happens more often than people know. Almost all modern day car keys are of the transponder type and often they look very similar. If you live and work with others that have transponder keys, it’s very easy to grab the wrong one and yes, they do often go inside the lock and of course, they won’t work as they don’t have the correct chip embedded in them. Another problem with wrong key insertions is that not only do they not work right; but often these keys tend to get stuck in the lock. If this happens to you there are a couple of remedies. You can try lightly tapping the key from the top downward. Be careful; you don’t want to drive the key in too far; only to loosen it. Don’t get frustrated or too forceful; a broken off transponder key is yet another problem to fix and expense. Our best recommendation is to spray your stuck key with electrical contact cleaner. Just do a spritz or two and follow this up with a spray of silicon lock lubricant. Together, these two sprays perform a dual action that not only cleans your lock; it also lubricates it enough to release the stuck key.  

Don’t call just anyone 

It’s easy to say “call for help” but some kinds of help are well meaning but often, not good. We all know someone that fancies himself or herself; an expert on something. It can be cooking, auto mechanics, massage therapy, interior design, tattoos or anything else for that matter. It’s always nice to have someone that cares enough to offer assistance, but keep in mind that your car is your responsibility and any repairs or adjustments made to it can either help or offer hindrance. The burden of fixing the “repairs” is often an added expense that is simply not needed if something goes wrong. 

Are you ready to say a locksmith? 

There’s no shame in calling in the experts. A good automotive locksmith can be affordable, fast responding and highly convenient. Not only do the best shops offer mobile service direct to your location, they also provide same day service, free price quotes and quality locksmith hardware. Unlike auto repair shops, an automotive locksmith can save you time and money by not having to tow your vehicle in to the repair shop. Try the above recommendations and if you need to; call a locksmith pro! 

Top 10 Tips To Find a Locksmith

It can be agreed upon that one of the most frustrating first world problems is getting locked out of your own house if you’ve misplaced your keys or forgotten them somewhere like at work or home. Another major problem is getting your new home’s locks made. A third one can be changing the locks in case a break-in has occurred. What do all these problems have in common?

1. START LOOKING FOR ONE AS SOON AS YOU GET A NEW LOCK

If you’ve just moved into a new house, it’s best that you start looking for a locksmith right away. Look for a local locksmith on the internet and make sure you get your locks done as soon as possible. Make sure you tell them to make a spare key as well, just in case.

2. DO SOME BACKGROUND RESEARCH

Once you find a locksmith nearby, start digging up the internet and asking a few locals about the reliability of the service. You wouldn’t want sub-par services for something like this because it is a matter of your house’s security.

3. AVOID CALL CENTRE LOCKSMITH SERVICES

It’s best that you personally look up a reliable local locksmith than approach a call centre for availing services. These call centers usually contact any random local service and send them to assist you. You might want to personally ensure that the locksmith working on your locks and doors can be trusted.

4. ASK YOUR NEIGHBOURS

It is entirely possible that someone among your neighbors must be aware of a trustworthy locksmith. You can even ask them for the contact number of their preferred locksmith. In the instance anything occurs, your neighbors might also be able to help.

5. LOCKSMITHS DO MORE THAN JUST LOCKS AND KEYS

You might want to find out what kind of task the locksmith you’re considering specializes in. There are a number of things Locksmiths can do other than just locks and keys and a lot of them specialize in certain tasks so in case you’re looking for a specific task that needs to be done, you can approach a Locksmith that specializes in it.

6. ASK FOR IDENTIFICATION

When the locksmith arrives at the door, make sure you ask them to show a visible proof of their identity. Most of them have identity cards from the place they work for. Licensed locksmiths happen to have a Master Security License Number provided for identification purposes, which is usually visible on their vehicle and identity card.

7. GET A WRITTEN ESTIMATE OF THE FEES THEY’LL CHARGE

It is entirely possible that your locksmith gets away with overcharging if you do not take a written estimate. When it comes to a locksmith’s job, they should, in most cases be able to provide an estimate on how much it should cost you once they’re done reviewing the situation.

8. AVOID PAYING BY CASH

All licensed businesses nowadays take credit cards or debit cards. Make sure you don’t pay cash so that in case you need to trace your transaction, it is possible to do it.

9. BUILD A RELATIONSHIP OF TRUST WITH YOUR LOCKSMITH

If you think you’ve found a locksmith who can be trusted in the long run, make sure you build a relationship of trust with them, so that they can come to your aid whenever you need their services.

10. GET SPARES DONE

For every key, they makes, make sure you ask that they make spares. It is important that you have a spare key of your house and any important rooms/safes on you at all times, just in case something happens.

Original Article Here:  Top 10 Tips To Find a Locksmith

Related Article Here: 5 Tips to Finding a Locksmith You Can Trust

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POLICE PROVIDE TIPS FOR HOME SECURITY IN WARM WEATHER

As the weather turns warm, Colonel Vaughn Bond, Jr., chief of police, would like to remind the public of some tips to keep your home secure and make it less enticing for burglars in the summertime.

Protect Your Home’s Exterior

CLOSE AND LOCK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS. Use deadbolts with at least a one inch throw. Window screens do not stop a burglar.

Make sure all first floor window air conditioning units cannot be easily removed.

Display your house number in plain view. Reflective numbers are even better.

Install lighting at all entrances, including decks, porches, sheds and garages.

Trim back any overgrown trees and shrubs from window ledges. Overgrown landscaping provides burglars with a place to hide.

Neighbors, passing motorists and police officers should be able to see your windows and doors. Close your blinds at night.

Do not leave ladders in your yard. Be sure to secure them in your garage or shed.

Reinforce sliding glass doors with slide bolt through the frame and a block in the track.

Do not hide keys outside your home.

Do not leave your garage door openers inside your vehicle. Lock interior garage doors.

Alternate the location/direction of your parked vehicle (s) to avoid predictability

Protect Your Home’s Interior

Install dead bolt locks on all entrance and exit doors and make sure you use them every time you leave the residence. Many burglaries occur when a homeowner leaves for only a short time. If you leave it—lock it!

Install window locks. Always make sure ground floor windows are securely locked.

Beware of ‘distraction-style’ burglaries. There are bands of burglars who are organized. One will distract you, typically with home improvement solicitations, while a partner burglarizes your home.

Install a “Door Viewer” or “Peep Hole” so you can see who is knocking at the door. If you don’t know who it is, do not open it.

Do not leave information on your social networking sites or voice mail detailing your travel plans.

Use timers on your lights to give the appearance that someone is home. Consider leaving a radio or television on.

Cut up, fold or recycle boxes from recent expensive purchases instead of leaving them curbside.

Do not leave your garage door open when outside doing yard work or other chores.

Original Article Here: POLICE PROVIDE TIPS FOR HOME SECURITY IN WARM WEATHER

Related Article Here: 3 Summer Home Security Tips

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