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.  

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:
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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.