​A couple of months ago, I fitted an Ultion Diamond Rated TS007 Security Euro Cylinder for a customer in Milton Keynes who was looking to upgrade her home security.  There had been a couple of break-ins in the village and my customer was concerned that her current level of security might not offer her an adequate level of protection.  The criminals had been carrying out cylinder-snapping as a means of gaining entry to properties.  This is a popular method for thieves but luckily there are steps you can take to protect your property and these are outlined in another of my blog posts – How to prevent cylinder snapping.    
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The cylinder I fitted foiled an attempted break-in at the property and my customer was of course, very pleased with her decision to upgrade her security but then sadly she had a fall within her home and the fire brigade had to make a welfare call and gain access to the property.  Despite their best efforts, the cylinder proved just too tough for them and they had to move to another door and remove a panel in order to gain access.

Fortunately, my customer is now fully recovered and sent me some photos of the cylinder after the fire brigade had done their very best to open it.  She just could not believe that not only did it beat the burglars but also beat the fire brigade too!  It led me to pose the question – can a property ever be too secure?  What do you think?

If you have any concerns regarding your home security or would like a FREE security survey to discuss the options available, please contact us at Errington Locksmiths in Milton Keynes.  

This year I have seen a rise in the number of customers in Milton Keynes contacting me to discuss the benefits of installing a safe in their properties.  There have always been conflicting views as to whether or not installing a safe in a property is a good idea.  Some argue that a safe simply shows a burglar where valuables are stored, others argue that a safe prevents a burglar from accessing those valuables.  I would ALWAYS recommend installing a safe in a property provided that the safe has been specified and installed by a qualified and professional locksmith.  It is also worth noting that a safe will not only protect against theft but a fireproof safe will also protect your most valuable belongings from fire.  Safes have cash, valuable and fire ratings.  As a guide, the higher the rating, the more secure the safe tends to be.  Our locksmiths in Milton Keynes have over 20 years of experience specifying and installing safes for customers in MK.  We would be happy to discuss all of the options available with you.

So you have decided that you wish to install a safe, what next?    

One of the first things to consider is the SIZE of the safe you will need.  We tend to think that we would use a safe to store the obvious items such as cash, jewellery, passports and other important documents but I often remind customers about the valuable electronic items they have in their home and the even more valuable personal information that these items may store.  It is worth making a list of all the items you would like to store in the safe and their measurements.  This list can also help you to decide on the cash, valuable and fire rating of the safe you require.  Our Milton Keynes locksmiths can talk you through the various sizes, ratings and prices of the safes available so that you can make an informed choice.  

Now you have decided on the size of the safe, what next? 

The next thing to consider is how you would like to OPERATE the safe.  Here you should consider what works best for you and any other users.  Safes can be operated in a number of ways:

Key Operated Safes:  These safes are opened with a key and can be particularly good for users who are likely to forget a code!  In my experience as a Milton Keynes locksmith, this can happen a lot.  The obvious drawback with these safes is that keys can be lost!  Again, in my experience working as a locksmith in Milton Keynes, this can also happen a lot!   

Combination Safes:  These are the more traditional safes (often seen in the movies) that have a traditional locking method and require the user to remember a code.  Digital safes have now replaced the combination safe but obviously don’t look as good on the big screen.  

Digital Safes:  These are the most popular type of safe that I specify and install.  They are very secure and reliable.  They are operated with a code but many also have a key override system for any occasions where a code is forgotten.  

Biometric Fingerprint Safes:  These safes make use of the most advanced technology in security and are opened by recognising your fingerprint.  Many also have a keypad operation system for added security. 

So you have decided on the size of your safe and how you want it to operate, the next consideration should be where to INSTALL the safe. 

The safe should be installed in the most secure part of the property.  Safes can be hidden in floors or walls but the most important consideration should be how securely the safe is fitted.  Ideally the safe should be bolted to a concrete floor and/or an external wall.  A site survey by one of our qualified and experienced Milton Keynes locksmiths can help to determine the best place for your safe to be installed.

In my opinion a safe that has been professionally specified and installed is a valuable addition to your home security.  If you would like to book a FREE site survey to discuss the available options, please contact one of our friendly, experienced and competitively priced locksmiths in MK.  Our MK locksmiths are approved by Which, Age UK and Milton Keynes Trading Standards.  

​You’ve realised you are locked out (or perhaps you are locked in) what should you do now?  I have been working as a locksmith in Milton Keynes for over 20 years now and have helped thousands of people who have found themselves in this situation.  Perhaps you have lost your keys, left them inside and the door has shut behind you or perhaps the lock has broken or the key has snapped in the lock.  Whatever your reason for finding yourself locked out (or in) our MK locksmiths can help.

​You may be in the fortunate position that you are able to get back into your property without having to contact a locksmith.  Perhaps there is another door or a downstairs window that you could use to access the property or perhaps you have left a spare key with a trusted friend or family member.  If this isn’t the case however, you will need to contact a local locksmith but how do you know which one to choose? 

It is worth spending a little time on this decision as unfortunately there are a lot of “cowboy locksmiths” out there.  These rogue traders will often advertise cheap rates online only to increase their prices once they are on site.  They are all too often unskilled and inexperienced and can often leave your door in a worse state than it was before you contacted them.  Our Milton Keynes locksmiths work closely with Trading Standards and report these unscrupulous traders on a regular basis when we come across them.  So how can you make sure the locksmith you choose is trustworthy and reliable?  Here are three questions that can help you when making that decision:

Is the locksmith approved by Trading Standards?

Trading Standards are the local authority departments that enforce consumer protection legislation in England.  Trading Standards in Milton Keynes operate the Buy with Confidence scheme.  The Buy with Confidence scheme vets and approves local MK companies.  All of our MK locksmiths have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards.  Our customer service is monitored on a regular basis and our locksmiths in MK have had their qualifications, references and insurances checked by a Trading Standards professional.  If you are locked out in Milton Keynes, our trading standards approved MK locksmiths can help.  Call us on:  01908632651

"​Is the locksmith endorsed by a Trusted Traders scheme?

There are a number of trusted trader schemes that claim to help consumers.  The “Which?” brand operate the “Which? Trusted Trader” scheme whereby they assess and endorse local tradesmen and tradeswomen.  All of our local Milton Keynes locksmiths at Errington Locksmiths and Security have been assessed and endorsed by "Which?"  The Which? Trusted Trader" endorsement is a sign of reputation and trust.  If you find yourself in need of a locksmith in Milton Keynes, our Which Trusted Traders approved MK locksmiths can help.  Call us on:  01908632651 

​Is the locksmith experienced?

An experienced locksmith should be able to ask the right questions in order to diagnose your problem and give you a quote over the phone.  Questions an experienced locksmith might ask include:

• Do you have ID to prove that you live in the property?
• Are you locked in or out?
• Are the keys inside?  Do you know where they are?
• Do you have a letterbox fitted on the door?    
• What type of door do you have?  Is it a wooden or UPVC door? 
• What type of lock do you have on the door?  The locksmith may also ask you to send a photo if you are in a position to do so.

All of these questions will help an experienced locksmith diagnose the problem and make decisions regarding which tools will be needed to let you back into your property with the minimum of fuss.  Be wary of a locksmith that gives a price over the phone without asking any of these questions.  It is likely that the price will change on site.  An experienced and professional locksmith will practise non-destructive entry wherever possible.  All of our locksmiths at Errington Locksmiths Milton Keynes are experts at non-destructive entry and will always seek to practise this.  If you are in the unfortunate position of being locked out in MK, please contact out skilled and experienced local Milton Keynes locksmiths on 01908632651

I hope these three questions will help you choose a locksmith if you ever find yourself locked out of your property.  In the meantime if you have any security concerns, please contact one of our MK locksmiths to discuss them

One of the worst things about being a locksmith in Milton Keynes is the fact that I am often called out to assist the victims of a break-in.  I decided to write this blog to offer some practical advice to all those that find themselves in this situation.


Of course, prevention is always better than cure so if you would like a FREE security survey to address any of your current security concerns, please get in touch with our friendly and experienced locksmiths in Milton Keynes who are always happy to help and advise you.  You may also wish to read some of our previous blogs to help you assess your home security:

Cylinder Snapping
The benefits of upgrading your front door
Why you should consider installing or upgrading a burglar alarm

If you find yourself the victim of a break-in, the first thing you should do is call the police and be sure not to touch anything.  The police will want to check the crime scene for any evidence. 

You may have to wait a while for the police to arrive.  During this time write down everything that you can remember such as the time you first noticed the break-in or the time you went to bed if the break-in happened during the night.  You may not think this is important but it is amazing how many details we can forget during a period of stress. 

Take photos of where items have been taken from and how the thieves gained entry to the property.  These photos can help you when you later talk to the police and insurance companies. 

After talking with the police, you will need to file a police report.  You should then contact your insurance company (if you haven’t already done so) who will ask for specific information from the police report. 

If you have noticed that keys have been stolen then locks should be replaced. When replacing your locks, you may want to consider patented locks that can’t be copied.  Your local MK locksmiths can provide you with more information about these. 

Make sure you check to see if any documents have been stolen.  Replacing these can often be one of the most frustrating and time consuming aspects of a break-in.  If your driving licence has been stolen you should report it and organise a replacement.  If your passport has been stolen, you will need to report this immediately also.  Any travel passes and/or tickets should be reported stolen to the issuing travel companies. 

If you notice that a mobile phone has been stolen, you should report the theft to your network provider who may ask for an IMEI number.  If you have a tracking app on any electrical devices, inform the police but don’t follow up any information on your own. 

One of the most frustrating and difficult aspects of a burglary can be cancelling and replacing important documents and electronic devices. In Milton Keynes our locksmiths are supplying and installing safes at an increasing rate and we would be delighted to discuss the various options with you. 

Burglary can have a huge emotional impact and this should not be underestimated.  In the short term, make sure that you get in touch with family and friends so that they can support you.  If you have children, you may find that you are supporting them and forget to look after yourself.  In the longer term, victim support groups can be a great source of comfort and support. 
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If you require any more information or advice, please contact our friendly, experienced and professional locksmiths in MK today.  

Milton Keynes was built for growth so it’s not surprising that the MK population continues to grow on a daily basis.  As a locksmith working in Milton Keynes, I am often called out by the new owners of a property to assess their security so here is my list of the top ten security issues to consider when moving house in Milton Keynes:

1: Lock Replacement:  When moving into a new property, I would always advise new owners to replace all of the locks in their house.  Our Milton Keynes locksmiths can replace locks quickly and easily and this provides great peace of mind as you never really know who may still have the keys to your property once you have moved in. 

2:  Intruder Alarm Systems:  Many new owners inherit an alarm system and codes.  I would always advise changing the code to your alarm immediately because just as with the keys to your property, can you really be sure just who has had access to the alarm code in the past?  It is also worth checking the age of your existing alarm system.  Our Milton Keynes locksmiths install wireless intruder alarm systems that link to your mobile phone and can control your home security from anywhere in the world.  Read our previous blogs explaining the benefits a smart security system can bring and why you should consider installing or upgrading a burglar alarm. 

3:  CCTV:  If you move into a property with a CCTV system already installed, it may be worth discussing the effectiveness of the existing system with one of our experienced locksmiths in Milton Keynes.  Are the cameras installed in the best positions for example?  Would it be beneficial to install more cameras?  New CCTV systems can link via an app to your mobile phone and help you to manage your home security from anywhere in the world.  CCTV systems can help to safeguard items inside the property but also those left outside too.  Our experienced locksmiths in Milton Keynes would be happy to discuss how CCTV systems could help to protect your property. 

4:  New Doors and Windows:  If you are considering lock replacement for your windows and doors, it may also be worth considering whether your existing windows and doors are in need of replacing.  New windows and doors can enhance not only the security of your property but also the appearance and energy efficiency too.  Our competitively priced locksmiths in Milton Keynes would be happy to provide you with a free security survey in order for you to assess how secure your existing doors and windows are.  See also our previous blog outlining the benefits of upgrading your front door. 

5:  Home Contents Insurance:  I would always advise checking your home insurance to make sure that it still meets the requirements of you and your family.  Extra security features can help to bring the price of a policy down so it is always worth discussing your existing home security with your current insurance providers.  Also check for any stipulations in the policy such as the standard of locks that should be installed.  Our MK locksmiths supply and install a range of British Standard and Insurance approved locks and would be happy to discuss and demonstrate these to you. 

6:  Garages and Outbuildings:  It can be easy just to focus on the new home but remember that garages and outbuildings such as sheds can also be a prime target for thieves.  In Milton Keynes, our fully trained locksmiths can provide a free whole site survey to highlight any weak security areas in your property and advise you on how to address any issues that arise.

7:  Speak to your neighbours:  Your neighbours will be a great source of knowledge about security in the local area.  Have there been any burglaries or thefts?  How have the thieves accessed the properties?  Cylinder snapping is a popular way for thieves to gain access to your home.  See our previous blog explaining cylinder snapping and how to prevent it.  Perhaps there has been a spate of vehicle crime?  This knowledge can help you to decide which areas of security need addressing in your new home.  Our locksmiths in Milton Keynes can advise you on how to tackle your security concerns and beat the burglar. 

8:  Safe Installation:  Moving house may provide an opportunity for you to consider installing a safe.  Safes come in all different shapes and sizes and can be installed by our Milton Keynes locksmiths at a very competitive price.  Remember a safe should be securely fixed to a solid surface.  

9: Try to hide the move:  Unfortunately, unoccupied properties or properties that are preparing for a move can often be targeted by thieves.  Try to leave curtains up until the last minute and make sure that boxes are not in plain view of windows and doors.  I would suggest making security at the new property a priority.  Our MK locksmiths offer a 24hr emergency service so please contact them to book a security survey. 

10:  Enjoy your new home in Milton Keynes:  Milton Keynes is a fantastic place to live!  Enjoy the open spaces (almost two fifths of Milton Keynes is open space) and the shoreline (according to an article published in The Guardian, we have more than the whole island of Jersey).  Also enjoy the countless things available to do in MK such as indoor skiing, skydiving and shopping!   

We really hope you enjoy your new home in Milton Keynes.  If our MK locksmiths can help with any aspect of your home security, please contact us at Errington Locksmiths.  

I have said before that the most difficult part of my job is when I am called to a property that has suffered a break-in.  Fortunately, security products on the market today are making it more and more difficult for would be burglars to gain access to properties but one method of entering a property is still on the rise – “Cylinder Snapping” – often also known as “Lock Snapping.”

Cylinder snapping is a popular method for burglars because it is easy, quick and relatively quiet.  Frustratingly, the tools required to snap a cylinder are also widely available online.  It can be used on any property (commercial or domestic) where there is a Euro cylinder in the door.  Our website has lots of information regarding the different types of lock available for commercial and domestic doors should you require any further information.  If the Euro cylinder is protruding from the door then burglars can simply snap the cylinder and gain access to the lock.  It can then take seconds to manipulate the lock until the door opens. Usually, the more of the cylinder that is accessible to the burglar, then the easier it is to snap. 

Fortunately, there is a solution to the horrible trend of cylinder snapping.  Fitting an anti-snap cylinder to your existing door will prevent a would-be thief from using this method.  It is important that an anti-snap lock is fitted correctly, ideally by a professional locksmith.  It should be flush with the handle so that the cylinder itself is inaccessible to tools designed to snap it and meet existing British Standards regulations.   
   
Errington Locksmiths in Milton Keynes offer a FREE SITE SURVEY and would be happy to advise you as to whether or not your existing locks are vulnerable to this type of attack.  

Back in December 2016, I successfully applied to become a Which? Trusted Trader and have been proud to be endorsed by the scheme since then.  I thought I would write this blog for any customers who were unaware of the scheme to explain how it works. 

Which? Have been testing products on behalf of consumers for nearly 60 years now and have a reputation for being thorough, fair and trustworthy.  When I heard that they were also testing tradesmen and tradeswomen, I knew that this was the brand I wanted to be endorsed by.  I did consider applying to be endorsed by some of the other “trade check” companies but I didn’t feel that any of them would give customers the same peace of mind that the Which? brand would.  Although I do have to admit that some of the other companies do have some very catchy radio jingles!   
   
To become a Which? Trusted Trader, you have to undertake a rigorous assessment procedure.  Background checks are completed on the business before you meet with a trading standards professional.  From this meeting, a list of pre-endorsement and post-endorsement compulsory action points are drawn up and the business must adhere to these action points in order to become endorsed and remain endorsed by Which?.  Although, any type of assessment can be daunting, the fact that I was meeting with a trading standards professional reassured me that any advice given was relevant and necessary. 

After the meeting, a random sample of previous customers are contacted and are asked to review the business.  Although I was confident of my customer reviews, I was still relieved to hear that I had passed the assessment and that Errington Locksmiths and Security would be part of the scheme. 
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Far too often, the reputation of a trade is tarnished by “cowboys” carrying out inadequate work for sky high fees.  Unfortunately this is as true for locksmiths as it is for any other trade.  I hope that the Which? logo and my profile page on the Which? Trusted Traders website helps to reassure my customers and any potential customers that they have found a tradesperson they can trust.  

Although it seems obvious to me, I am often shocked by the number of people who ask me what I do or assume that a locksmith just lets people back into their houses when they are locked out!  I’m sure lots of locksmiths both in Milton Keynes and outside of MK would agree that our jobs would be a lot simpler if locks outs were all we had to worry about.  I have written this post to give an insight into a typical day for a Milton Keynes locksmith …

My day would usually start around 8:30 but today I was woken up around 6:15 by a London commuter, living in Bletchley, who was unable to secure her front door when leaving for work that morning.  Fortunately, I am a locksmith based in South Milton Keynes so I was able to get over to Bletchley within 30 minutes.  The fault with the door turned out to be a failed UPVC multipoint lock that I was able to replace there and then.  Hopefully, my customer was able to travel down to London from MK and not be too late for work. 

I was hoping to nip home to South Milton Keynes after that for a quick spot of breakfast when I received a phone call from a professional dog walker who had accidentally become locked out after leaving her bunch of keys in a client’s house!  Conscious that a lot of pups in MK would be expecting their early morning walk, I made my way across Milton Keynes to open the door for her.  Fortunately, she had just pulled the door shut behind her so her keys were retrieved within minutes.  After meeting this lady and some of her pups, a career change from locksmith to dog walker was considered before I made my way home for some breakfast.

Next stop for this MK locksmith was a 9AM appointment with a customer in Olney where I spent the morning installing a smart alarm system.  Smart alarm systems are becoming more and more popular in Milton Keynes as people become more aware of their benefits.  See my previous blogs for more information:

Is a smart security system really a smart investment?
The benefits of installing or upgrading an intruder alarm

I had then planned to meet another MK locksmith for lunch but during the alarm installation in Olney, I had received emails from a couple of letting agents based in Milton Keynes asking me to attend properties in MK and carry out lock changes.  Luckily for me, the properties weren’t too far apart as I can often find myself driving from one end of Milton Keynes to the other carrying out locksmith work.

Managed to grab a sandwich and then made my way over to a school in North Milton Keynes that had booked a free site survey with me.  The finance office in the school required a new safe, so I discussed various options with the office manager before measuring up so that I could prepare a quote for them.  Most of my safe work in Milton Keynes still comes from commercial clients but I am finding that safes are also growing in popularity for residential customers in MK.  A recent customer of mine  commented that a safe teamed with a smart alarm system gave her added peace of mind that should an intruder get into her home, she would be alerted and able to act before the would-be thief had a chance to access the safe. 

Planned to then head back to the office and prepare my quote for the school when I was asked to attend a property in Central Milton Keynes with the police.  The owners were away and thieves had broken the handle off of the back door before snapping the cylinder to gain entry.  I replaced the cylinder with a break-secure version and replaced the damaged handles.  Attending break-ins tends to be the worst part of my job and I am always happy to advise customers on measures they can take to make their home more secure.  Please see my previous blog posts for more information:

Keeping your home secure this Christmas
Securing your home
How to secure your garage

If you have any further questions, please contact our Milton Keynes locksmiths.

I then managed to get home to spend some time with the kids before dinner.  Tried to tell them about my day but not sure they were very interested.  Perhaps I should get them to read this blog instead!  

Smart alarms and smart security systems are becoming buzz words in the industry at the moment and I have been prompted to write this blog after recent discussions with customers about what smart security systems actually are and whether or not they are worth the investment.

What is a smart security system?

A smart security system is simply a burglar alarm system that allows the user to interact with it from an app on a smartphone or tablet.  Put simply, you control your burglar alarm from your smartphone or tablet! The systems are driven by an internet connected hub which connects with the components of the security system and your smart phone or tablet.   
 
The system can be designed to match your property and security needs but will typically include the following components:

• Sensors
• Sirens
• Motion Detectors
• Cameras

Once the components have been installed and the corresponding app downloaded on your smartphone or tablet, you are able to control your security system from anywhere provided you have an Internet connection.  So is this ability to check in on your property actually worth the investment?

According to a survey of ex-burglars carried out by the consumer group Which in 2015, an alarm system and owning a dog were the biggest deterrents when it came to selecting a house to break into.  Clearly an alarm system is worth the investment (although a dog may be more fun) but does it have to be smart?  Here’s why I think it should be: 

I am always astounded by the number of alarms in Milton Keynes that are ignored by neighbours and members of the public.  Once a smart alarm is activated, it contacts you directly via your smartphone or tablet.  If you have cameras connected to your smart alarm you will then have the opportunity to immediately establish the cause of the alarm and act accordingly.  My system recently alerted me to an alarm and a quick check on my smartphone allowed me to establish that my wife had forgotten about our system and entered the house via the back door!

Being able to activate and deactivate your alarm from anywhere with an internet connection is also extremely beneficial.  Perhaps you have a dog walker or cleaner that requires access to your property at a particular time of day; or you may have (like I do) particularly forgetful members of your family that will obliviously walk straight past an alarm panel when leaving the house without stopping to set it.  I often use my smartphone to check that my system has been armed when my house is empty.  I find this gives me added peace of mind and security.  I particularly appreciated this feature whilst away on a family holiday. 
 
Can I install it myself?

Many systems can be bought directly “off-the-shelf” and are designed to be installed by the consumer.  Big name brands are available including Panasonic, Yale and Samsung but before buying an “off-the-shelf” solution, take some time to make sure it will provide you with the level of security you require.  You may need to invest in extra parts or take some advice about installing the components correctly – cameras for example will need to be installed where they will give the highest quality images. 

Another option is to have a security expert specify, design and install a more professional system to meet the needs of you and your family.  This option has the added benefit of a security expert being on hand 24/7 a day after installation to resolve any queries you may have.  Our locksmiths and alarm engineers at Errington locksmiths in Milton keynes are highly experienced in the specification, design and installation of bespoke smart security systems to meet your needs.  We offer a FREE site survey where we would be happy to discuss the various options with you.  Please contact our locksmiths and alarm engineers in Milton Keynes for more information.  

​So is a smart security system really a smart investment?

In my opinion, the answer to this question is yes.  I feel that when specified, designed and installed correctly, a smart security system acts as a valuable deterrent to would-be intruders and offers greater peace of mind to users.