Milton Keynes Locksmiths - Police and Trading Standards Checked - No Call-Out Charge
Tel: 01908 632651   Mob: 07903 953953
  • Home
  • Milton Keynes Emergency Locksmith
  • uPVC Door Security
  • Commercial & Domestic Door Locks
  • Digital Door Locks
  • Access Control
  • Intruder Alarms
  • Security Grilles & Bars
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

The benefits of installing or upgrading an intruder alarm

11/30/2016

4 Comments

 
Milton Keynes Locksmiths burglar alarm bell box
Working in the security industry, I always notice the properties that do not have a burglar alarm system or those that have a poorly maintained one which has prompted me to write this blog post.  I personally feel that a current and well maintained intruder alarm system is a massive deterrent to would be thieves and I would encourage anyone considering installing one to do so – here’s why:
  1. Both the Metropolitan Police and a survey of ex-burglars agree that having a well maintained alarm system reduces the likelihood that you will be a victim of burglary.  Burglars do not want to be seen or heard so a property that does not have an alarm will always be the more attractive choice to would-be thieves.  If an alarmed property is targeted then an activated alarm can reduce the time that thieves will spend in your home. 
  2. In the past many of my customers have commented that alarms are often ignored by neighbours and therefore not a deterrent at all.  New systems remove the need to rely upon neighbours to notice and act upon your alarm as they contact you or nominated family members or friends directly once the alarm is activated.  This then gives you or a nominated person an opportunity to establish the cause of the alarm or to phone the police immediately.
  3. It is also very easy to link a CCTV system to your mobile phone so if an alarm is activated you can view your property immediately to establish the cause of the alarm and take appropriate action.    
  4. Smart alarm systems enable you to activate and deactivate your alarm remotely from anywhere in the world.  This is an extremely useful feature particularly if you need to allow access to your property when you are not present.  I recently installed this system at a property that was being used as an Airbnb rental property and other customers have requested this system to allow access to their cleaners or dog walkers. 
  5. A smart alarm system also gives you the opportunity to view, via your mobile phone when others have activated or deactivated the system.  Some customers have commented that this feature gives them added peace of mind and reassurance as they are able to see when their teenage children have returned home safely from school for example.  It can also be a useful feature if you have a particularly forgetful member of the household that may forget to set the alarm – I am speaking from my own experience here!  ​
Our police checked, trading standards approved and experienced locksmiths are happy to advise you on all aspects of intruder alarm systems and offer an extensive locksmith service in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.  Our emergency MK locksmith service is also available 24 hours a day. Please get in touch to discuss any aspect of your security.     



4 Comments

Keeping your home secure this Christmas

11/18/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture
Christmas is a happy and exciting time for many of us but we mustn’t forget that this time of year can also be a busy and exciting time for thieves! Below I have listed ten tips to help you keep you and your home secure this Christmas:
​
  1. Be wary of how much information you share on social media - this includes holiday plans and details of your Christmas shopping.  It may also be worth checking your insurance policy as keeping your holiday details off of social media may be a condition of your insurance. 
  2. If you are going away over the Christmas period, consider asking family or friends to check your home regularly.  Just picking up the post, opening curtains and switching lights on and off can deter a would-be burglar from targeting your home.
  3. Timer switches for lights and electrical appliances can also deter would-be thieves and new smart systems can be linked to your mobile phone and controlled remotely.  This gives you more freedom and choice as to when you switch your lights and electrical appliances on and off. 
  4. Alarms are still a big deterrent to thieves and will be particularly effective if your neighbours know you are away and are keeping an eye on your home for you.  New wireless systems can be installed quickly with the minimum of fuss.  There is also the option to link your alarm to your mobile phone so you can arm and disarm it remotely from wherever you are.  Your mobile phone can also alert you if your alarm has been activated, providing you with the opportunity to contact the police immediately.   
  5. Make sure you lock all doors and windows at night or if you are away from the house.  It may be worth considering an upgrade to door and window locks especially if your locks are beginning to show signs of wear and tear.  I would definitely advise upgrading to anti-snap cylinders where possible as unfortunately cylinder snapping remains a popular method for thieves looking to break in to a house. 
  6. Don’t forget about your garage, shed or and/or outbuildings.  Highly valuable and useful items for thieves are typically stored in these areas and they should therefore be as secure as possible.  Consider upgrading your locks and/or padlocks or connecting these areas to your existing or new alarm system. 
  7. CCTV also acts as a deterrent to thieves as they do not want to be seen or heard.  New CCTV systems can be installed quickly, relatively cheaply and with the minimum of fuss.  Once again, these can also be linked to your mobile phone so you can keep an eye on your property remotely from wherever you are. 
  8. Consider installing a safe and make sure it is securely fixed to a solid surface to store your valuables in.  Safes come in all shapes and sizes and can be fitted in a variety of places so think about what you would like to store in your new safe before making a decision.  Safes that customers can store electrical equipment, such as laptops in, are becoming more and more popular due to the amount of personal information that these electronic devices hold.  
  9. Lighting can also deter thieves who do not want to be seen so consider installing sensor lights to those parts of your property that may be most vulnerable. 
  10. Don’t overlook your boundaries.  Advice from the Metropolitan Police states that side and rear boundaries should be high to restrict access and front boundaries should be low to remove hiding places.  It is sometimes worth having a walk around your property with security in mind.  This can help to focus your thoughts on those areas that require your immediate attention. 

Our experienced MK locksmiths at Errington Locksmiths are happy to offer free, impartial advice on all aspects of your security all year round so please contact us with any of your concerns or call to book your FREE security survey: 01908 632651

We offer a full range of locksmith services in MK and the surrounding area.  Feel free to get in touch to address any of your security concerns.  
2 Comments

    Author

    Errington Locksmiths 

    Archives

    February 2019
    May 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    September 2016
    October 2015
    September 2015

    Categories

    All
    Anti Snap Cylinders
    Anti-snap Cylinders
    Break-In
    Burglary
    CCTV
    Christmas Security
    Combination Door Locks
    Crime
    Digital Door Locks
    Door Upgrade
    Energy Efficiency
    Garage Security
    Home Security
    Intruder Alarms
    Locks
    Locksmith
    Locksmith Milton Keynes
    Locksmith MK
    Milton Keynes Locksmith
    MK Locksmith
    New Door
    Safes
    Smart Alarm System
    Which? Trusted Traders

    RSS Feed

Copyright and Copy:  Errington Locksmiths and Security Ltd 2018.  All rights reserved.
Errington Locksmiths and Security Ltd (Previously trading as Errington Locksmiths and Security.  Any ongoing work, guarantees and warranties are honored)
​Trading Address: Caldecotte, Milton Keynes, MK7 8AG
VAT Number:  191 3445 09
Registered Company Number:  10999495
Registered Business Office: 
Ecl House, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England, LU7 1RT
Registered in England and Wales 

​

Phone: 01908 632651 Mobile: 07903953953 

Web:  www.erringtonlocksmiths.co.uk

​Follow us on:
Locksmith Milton Keynes Tumblr Logo
Instagram photos of locksmith services in Milton Keynes.
Locksmith Milton Keynes Houzz Logo
All of our MK Locksmiths are trading standards approved.
Picture