The Locksmith Training Academy has moved!

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide the best locksmith training we can, the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy has moved into a new and improved building this year! The new Academy has received a complete makeover from floor to ceiling, with new comfortable state of the art facilities now fully installed ready for students looking to either embark on a new career within the locksmith industry, or seasoned professionals looking to pick up new skills within their trade from one of the wide ranging courses on offer.

The new Academy opened its doors this week and welcomed the first of its students to the new facility, who enrolled onto the Five Day Level 4 NCFE Accredited Course. The new facilities have gone down exceptionally well with both the students and trainers alike, both commentating on the wide range of improvements made throughout the purpose built facility.

The next step now is to develop and build on the courses currently on offer, providing a wider range of courses suitable for all abilities of locksmiths, ranging from basic non-destructive entry through to advanced 5 lever mortice lock picking courses.

If you’d like to be kept up to date with the Academy’s latest developments please contact one the Academy team on 01202 711195 or email academy@keytek.co.uk.

Where it all began...

The Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy was officially launched in 2010 welcoming its first students through the door in March of that year. The Academy has grown in leaps and bounds – from becoming a preferred supplier with the CTP in September 2010, to being given Approved Centre Status by the NCFE in February 2012 – enabling us to offer a level 3 Accreditation. Further to this in January 2013 we were given approval to offer an NCFE level 4 Accreditation, the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy remain the only Locksmith training supplier able to do so.

We have more courses available throughout the year so if you feel a career as a locksmith would be something you are interested in or whether you are looking to enhance your current skills give us a call on 01202 711 195.

8 Ways to help secure your car or motorbike

Year on year millions of motor vehicles are stolen. This is either because devices weren't installed or the driver left their vehicle in such a way that a thief spotted an opportunity to commit theft. One of the most important factors is to ensure you keep and leave your vehicle secure when not attended. Some of these simple tips can help ensure your vehicle doesn't become a target from a criminal or leave in you in situation where you become locked out of your car. 

Auto locking 

Always make sure you remove your keys from the ignition when you exit your car, some modern cars will automatically lock themselves after a set amount of time after the doors are shut. This can leave you with a horrible surprise when you return to the car to find it won’t open.

Parking in an unknown city

If you visit a city and are unsure of the area or concerned about the safety of your vehicle always park in well lit up areas and secure car parks. Banks are great place to park outside at night as they are well lit up and covered in security cameras.

Out of sight

as simple as it sounds burglars are opportunists so when leaving your car always quickly check to make sure you haven’t left anything on show, something as simple as a mobile phone on the passenger seat could make your vehicle attractive to an opportunistic burglar.

Disc Lock reminder 

using a disc lock reminder is a great way of making sure you don’t make of from your bike without leaving it locked. You simply attach the lock reminder to your key ring when not in use reminding you to lock your bike when you leave it unattended.

Data Tag

Data tagging your bike or motorbike enables your bike to be uniquely identified. A small electronic tag with a unique number is fitted to the bike and added to a system, if the bike is ever scanned it will show up as your motorcycle and noticed as stolen.

Double Lock

Most vehicles will have a dead lock locking system, so ensure that when locking your car the locking button is pressed twice on your key fob, this ensures that all doors to the car and securely locked and not left vulnerable to a break in it will also ensure that the alarm is set.

Winter Months 

During the winter freezing cold temperatures mean that cars tend to freeze and frost up. Unfortunately this can take time to clear, if you do decide to start your car early to clear your windscreen try not to leave your vehicle unattended or out of site as a thief can easily make off with your car.

Nissan Vision 2015

Nissan have been looking into ways to reduce the amount of deaths related to car accidents. Although not directly related to the security of your vehicle they have developed an innovative way of keeping drivers safe when travelling in their cars. Nissan Vision has a number of technologies that help keep its driver safe. Nissan shield creates various barriers around the vehicle that help the driver and its passengers be aware of dangerous driving conditions to help prevent post accidents. One of their concept cars includes an advanced technology that uses sensors that detect perspiration from the driver’s car seat and gearshift to detect alcohol. A camera also watches the driver to spot drowsiness or drunkenness the car then issues a voice alert and tightens up the driver seat belt.

Hints and tips to help keep your property secure this winter.

During the winter months, as the nights draw longer and the frost begins to show we all want to feel safe and secure in our homes. In this
blog we tackle some of winter’s ‘bites’ and show you how to help keep your home free from opportunistic thieves.

56% of burglaries occur during the night and increase by 20% in the winter months making this season a prime time of the year for burglars to target. Homes
can be targeted for a number of reasons, many of these are not planned attacks like many people believe but more likely when a burglar spots an
opportunity.

With this is mind there are many ways of deterring burglars by removing the opportunity for attack, below we have listed some helpful hints and tips on how
best to protect your home this winter.

· When going out, leave a light on or on a timer thus giving the impression someone is home.

· If you’re away for a weekend or a long period of time, ask a neighbour to park on your drive - a burglar is far less likely to target your home if they
think it is occupied and will move on.

· Outside lights on motion sensors are a great way to deter someone who is approaching your home as they will quickly be illuminated when moving closer to
the property.

· Weak locks can easily be picked or snapped so it is worth having a local locksmith attend your property to replace or upgrade any locks you may be
concerned about.

· There are many additional security items you can have fitted to improve the security on your doors and windows such as additional bolts, door chains and
window restrictors.

· Have a burglar alarm fitted; if you cannot afford a full alarm system then dummy alarms can be equally as effective, at a fraction of the price.

· At night and when leaving your property make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked and that all curtains and blinds are shut or that valuable
items cannot be seen by passersby on the street.

· Check the perimeter of your home for any weak spots.

· Lock all garages and sheds – Tooling could be used by a potential intruder to gain entry to your property so ensure there are adequate locks on all
sheds, garages or outbuildings.

Rental Property Security

Are you looking to move into a rented property? We at Keytek™ have put together some handy hints and tips to help make your time in rental property hassle free!

• Have you checked the property over to make sure that all of the doors and windows have sufficient locks? Check the standards of the locks; firstly look out for a Kitemark, many insurance policies will stipulate that locks must be British Standard.
• Has your landlord changed the locks since the previous tenant/s have moved out? You never know who could still have a key!
• Is your deposit protected by a scheme? From 2007 it is a requirement for private landlords and letting agents to use a government approved tenancy deposit scheme*
• Have you read the tenancy agreement a few times and are you sure that you understand the small print? Does it include bills? Can you have pets? Guests?*
• Check the inventory thoroughly! At the end of your tenancy you wouldn’t want to be liable for damage that you didn’t cause.
• Before making any changes or improvements to the property, remember to obtain the landlord or letting agent’s permission – this includes changing the locks!
• If you’re thinking of installing an alarm system, easy fit domestic alarms are a great option if you are renting as they can be installed easily and can be moved easily from property to property – you can get one here! https://www.keytekshop.co.uk/product/yale-easy-fit-standard-alarm
• If you’re moving to a new area talk with your neighbours and introduce yourself. It’s always good to know people nearby in case anything is happening in the area.
• UV mark your items, if you did have the unfortunate event of a break in, your property can be identified as yours.

*Information sourced from: http://www.theguardian.com/money/2012/aug/31/top-10-renting-tips-happy-tenant

University Security Advice!

Now that September is here, are you or is someone close to you leaving home to go to University??

Whether you’re getting packed and ready to go, or are all ready moved in and preparing for lectures, have you given any thought to the security of your new student house or halls of residence?

The National Union of Students has the following questions to ask yourself about your student accommodation!

Does the house seem secure from the outside?
Think about how you would get in if you lost your keys, if it’s easy for you then think how easy it is for a potential intruder.

Does the property have an alarm?
If not, could you/the landlord install one? Alarms act as an excellent form of deterrent, with research showing 84% of imprisoned burglars would avoid a home with a working alarm.

Does the front/back door look solid and secure?
Typically, burglars spend just sixty seconds breaking into a home and that’s not surprising considering how easy it often is. In 73% of cases they gained entry via a door, and in 3% of these cases the door was left open. Ideally doors should be secured using a mortice lock and / or nightlatch that meets British Standard BS3621.

Are the windows secure?
Check to see if all the windows are fitted with secure locks and that the handles are in good working order, particularly on the ground floor.

Is there adequate outside lighting?
Ask yourself would you feel secure entering your house at any time of day. It’s important to feel safe and secure so you can enjoy your time at university.

According to the National Union of Students, the average break in costs students around £900 to replace belongings and repair any damage.

With this in mind they have provided some fantastic crime prevention tips for your time at University:

Don’t give burglars an open invitation 

Opportunist thieves often target student halls and houses, as bedroom and flat doors are often left unlocked or ajar, making it a quick in-and-out job for a burglar. Avoid any unwanted visitors making their way into your home by remembering to close and lock all doors and windows whenever you’re not in – even if you’re only popping out for five minutes.

Another tip is to avoid leaving notes on your door saying you’re away or ‘back soon’ – instead tell your friends face-to-face so they can act as an unofficial student watch while you’re out

Protect your valuables

Computers, cash, electrical goods and jewellery are among the most commonly stolen items in domestic burglaries and, as a result of the nation’s love for gadgets, the average cost of a burglary has risen by 40 per cent over the last three years. However, 21 per cent of people say they never hide valuables when leaving the house, with 37 per cent leaving portable gadgets such as e-books or tablets easily accessible.
To protect smaller valuable items and reduce the risk of fraud, use a home safe. This can be used for items such as jewellery, small electronic gadgets and important documents. The safe should be bolted securely to a floor or wall so it can’t be stolen but remember to check with your landlord before making any alterations to your property.

Cycling to lectures?
Bikes are an ideal way to get around campus or student towns. They are convenient and great exercise but, unfortunately, thieves like them too. To keep your bike safe and secure it’s advisable to invest in a sturdy bike lock. For maximum protection, use two different locks simultaneously (a D-lock and robust chain and padlock is ideal).

Hitting the town
Personal safety also needs to be high on the agenda. After evenings out sampling the local nightlife try to travel home with friends or in a reputable, licensed taxi – remember, there is safety in numbers! If you do walk home, try to stick to main roads and avoid poorly lit areas – especially dodgy looking shortcuts and dingy alleyways. For additional security and peace of mind it’s also a good idea to carry a personal attack alarm.

Social security
In this age of social media, many of us are used to posting all manner of details online without a second thought. ‘Checking in’ at places online can alert burglars to the fact you are not at home, and posting images of new and expensive items can also be risky.
In any other capacity you wouldn’t dream of alerting a burglar to the fact your house is empty and you certainly wouldn’t tell them that you have a brand new laptop sat in your bedroom. Be careful about what you are sharing online and check your settings to ensure that you are only sharing status updates with people you know and trust.

By remembering these great hints and tips, you can relax and enjoy your time at University, knowing you have done all that you can to stay secure!

Source: http://www.nus.org.uk/en/advice/student-safety/top-five-crime-prevention-tips/

http://www.nus.org.uk/en/advice/student-safety/five-questions-you-need-ask-about-your-accommodation/

Do your locks meet your insurance requirements?

You should always check your home insurance to see what the minimum security requirements are however, most insurance companies will specify that your property must be fitted with British Standard locks on your doors and windows.

If your locks do not meet your insurance requirements and you are unfortunate enough to experience a burglary, your insurance could then be invalid and your claim may be refused.

British Standard locks

For a lock to be classed as ‘British Standard’ minimum standards must be met - this is done through rigorous testing including strength, durability and security.  A higher quality lock such as a British Standard can act as deterrent for burglars as it is a lot harder to gain entry through, so all the more reason to upgrade your locks if they are not already British Standard.

To read more about British Standard locks follow this link http://www.keytek.co.uk/what-is-british-standard/.

How to check yourself!

Checking to see if a lock is British Standard can be simple - all you have to do is look out for the Kitemark shown below, which should be on any lock that is British Standard.

Do your locks measure up?

If not don’t worry, our trained and skilled locksmiths are more than happy to help and to upgrade your locks.  Call 0800 0345 0451 now to book in an appointment with us! 

A man who created a lock as a joke to stop his children from stealing his Nutella has ended up selling 1000 units on ebay!

Daniel from Germany had enough of heading to his cupboards to make a snack with his favourite spread only to find his kids had beaten him to it and used all his Nutella! So as a joke the inventor created an acrylic lock as a simple solution to keep the chocolate spread thieves out. The lock consists of a small acrylic box that can be clamped down over the lid which is then held in place with a padlock, meaning the only person that can get in to the jar is the person that holds the key.

When people started to hear about his Nutella gizmo, orders started to roll in - he said: ‘As the demand continued to grow we decided to offer the device on eBay’. The lock has been a huge success with parents wanting to keep their children’s mitts out of the chocolaty spread, so much so that Daniel has now sold over 1000 units. Due to be being made from acrylic the gadget can be easily broken so whilst the lock may not keep out every crazy Nuttella fiend it shows that no idea is ever too crazy!

Read the full story here... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-3217138/New-German-gadget-clamps-Nutella-thieves-customised-jar-lock.html