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.  

They say first impressions count and your front door is the first thing that each visitor to your home sees.  It is also there to welcome you home, each and every time you return to your house.  What impression do you think your front door creates?  Does it look a little tired and in need of some TLC?  Perhaps it doesn't quite fit with the recent home improvements you have made.  A simple solution may be a lick of paint and/or a door furniture upgrade and our friendly, knowledgeable and skilled MK locksmiths at Errington Locksmiths will be very happy to discuss this option with you. 

There can also however be many benefits to replacing your old door with a new one:

Safety:  Older doors can often be victims of wear and tear which means that locks and hinges may be easier to break open. Nearly 70% of burglaries involve forced entry through a front or back door so it is important to make sure that these doors are as secure as they can possibly be.  Doors supplied and fitted by Errington Locksmiths have many more security features than older style doors tend to have including nickel coated, solid brass hook locks that slide into steel keeps, running the length of the door’s frame.  The double glazing in our new doors also tends to be part of the door itself meaning it can’t be unclipped.   

Energy Efficiency:  All new doors supplied and fitted by our skilled MK locksmiths come with an energy efficiency rating and are much more energy efficient than older style doors.  This means far less heat will be lost through a new door compared with an older door.  This can help to reduce energy costs and ensure that your home feels warm and cosy during the winter months. 

Kerb Appeal:  An attractive new door can drastically improve the look of your home from both the inside and the outside.  In fact, this simple upgrade could increase the value of your home.  Doors supplied and fitted by MK based Errington Locksmiths come in a variety of designs, styles and colours so you can choose the perfect match for your home and family.     
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Our locksmiths can fit a new door within a day with the minimum of fuss so if you are looking to upgrade your door furniture, your door security or if you are considering replacing your front door altogether, please contact us at Errington Locksmiths to discuss your requirements. 

We also offer an extensive range of locksmith services in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area including a 24HR emergency service in MK.