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.  

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.    

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.  

With the onset of the darker evenings, I am often asked for advice on the best way to secure a home.  When considering this question, it can be useful to consider the different elements of the home:

Gardens:

One of the first things to do could be to check your garden boundary and look for any weaknesses, such as broken fences.  If you are particularly green fingered, you may wish to consider "defensive planting," your local garden centre should be able to give you some good advice regarding the types of plants that can be planted for this purpose.  People often ask me about the effectiveness of barbed wire or carpet gripper as a deterrent to intruders.  I NEVER recommend the use of these kinds of materials as there are legal implications and there are more effective alternatives available.  

Check garden gates too.  Make sure they are fitted with either a hasp and staple or rim lock.  It is possible to have all locks at your property keyed alike so you don't need to worry about carrying extra keys.  

Sheds and garages can be easy targets for thieves.  Sheds should be locked with a closed-shackle padlock and security screws should be fitted on hinges. Your garage security can be upgraded in a number of ways: 

• Additional bolts can be fitted to the top or bottom corners of an up and over garage door.
• A T Bar type lock can be secured to the ground externally 
•  If your garage gives access to your house, it is also worth considering fitting additional locks to the top and bottom of the adjoining door.  

Garages and sheds can also be protected with an intruder alarm.  Most modern alarms are now wireless and can be fitted with the minimum of fuss.

Doors and Windows:

Make sure that all doors and frames are strong and in good condition. Wooden doors should be fitted with a mortice deadlock or nightlatch that meets BS3621.  uPVC doors should have at least three locking points with hook or deadbolts and be fitted with an anti snap TS007 euro profile cylinder with a minimum one star rating.  Sliding patio doors should be fitted with an anti-lift device and additional locking bolts.  French doors should be fitted with locking bolts on the fixed leaf.  

All ground floor and accessible windows should be fitted with key lockable window locks or handles.  

Lighting:

Lighting can also help to secure your home.  Consider internal timer switches for lamps when you are away from your property for an extended period of time and protect vulnerable external parts of the property with motion activated security lights.  

Alarms:

A good quality alarm system can be an invaluable addition to your home security.  An external sign written bell box is a visible deterrent and many modern alarm systems are wireless which means they are less intrusive when installing and can be easily extended to outbuildings such as sheds and garages.  An intruder alarm system can also be programmed to notify you via your mobile phone upon activation.  


Errington Locksmiths based in Milton Keynes have over 18 years experience in the security industry and our friendly, efficient, uniformed, police checked MK locksmiths would be happy to discuss all the available options with you.  We offer a FREE security survey so if you would like to check how secure your home is please contact us. 

We also offer a 24HR emergency service in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.  

For many households the garage is used to store a variety of items.  I have recently had a bit of a "sort out" in my own garage, during which I was reminded just how valuable some of the items in my garage were.  Paddling pools and sledges aside, garages are often used to store bikes and tools, both of which are attractive items to would be thieves.  

Some garage doors, particularly the up and over type have proven to be very insecure and relatively easy to force open by criminals.  Sometimes would be thieves only have to apply bodily pressure to force the door open, at other times they may use a small bar or similar implement to prise open the locking point. It is therefore advisable to fit additional security to these doors but what are the options?

• Bolts or hasp and staple with padlocks to the top or bottom corners of the door.  These can be fitted either externally or internally.
• A T Bar type lock secured to the ground externally 

• Stand alone alarms can also be used in garages.  Most modern alarms are now wireless and as a result can be fitted very quickly with minimum fuss.  A CCTV system is another option.  Modern CCTV systems record in HD and can be controlled via your smartphone.    

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• If your garage gives access to your house, it is also worth considering fitting additional locks to the top and bottom of the adjoining door.  

Milton Keynes based Errington Locksmiths have over 18 years experience in the security industry and our friendly, efficient, uniformed, police checked MK locksmiths would be happy to discuss all the available options with you.  We offer a FREE security survey so if you would like to check how secure your garage is please contact us.