#ABSsummerlockin campaign launched by Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network to keep security locked in and intruders locked out.

#ABSsummerlockin campaign launched by Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network to keep security locked in and intruders locked out.

Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network is urging householders to #stayABSsafe this summer by launching the  #ABSsummerlockin campaign to coincide with the school summer holidays in England and Wales – a time of year that sees a 10% increase in domestic burglaries and 40% increase in outdoor thefts*. 

Working in partnership with its security sponsor Avocet Hardware, Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network will be issuing regular communications throughout the holidays to advise householders about how they can make their homes less exposed to potential burglaries.

The office for National Statistics latest crime survey for England and Wales reports 92% of all domestic burglary in a dwelling is committed through the front and back door, 52% and 40% respectively.

Furthermore the report highlights one quarter of all burglaries are the result of forcing the lock or lock snapping as it’s more commonly known – a growing trend directly related to the increase use of uPVC and other double glazed doors.

Jim Maddan, chairman of the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network, said: ““The school holidays is a busy time for burglars as many houses are left empty when people head off for a getaway. Throw in the light nights and warmer weather and it’s no wonder there is an increase in break-ins.

He continued: “We want people to enjoy their summer holidays without worrying about their home, which is why we have joined with Avocet to let people know that fitting a proper anti-snap lock is a really effective way to help stop a burglar gaining access to your property.”

Clive Lloyd, managing director of Avocet Hardware, said: “The rise in lock snapping is directly related to the increased use of uPVC and other double glazed doors, which can be found in millions of homes around the UK. By and large, these doors are fitted with a standard Euro cylinder lock that can be snapped and removed in a matter of seconds using nothing more than simple DIY tools.

“The ABS Snap Secure Lock is the only lock available with a patented snap secure technology, which will effectively lock the central cam in place. The ABS snap secure technology totally blocks access to the door bolt mechanism inside the lock case to effectively combat a snap attack.”

This proof comes from a Leeds City Council initiative that began in 2010 and to date has seen over 10,000 ABS Snap Secure locks installed in homes in East Leeds. This, alongside other police initiatives, has resulted on average in a 36 per cent annual drop in burglaries across East Leeds.

For further information and updates on #ABSsummerlockin follow Twitter @N_Watch and @avocetabs. To stay up to date on Avocet news and competitions join its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/abs.secure.

More information about ABS locks can be found at www.abs-secure.co.uk. Alternatively call 01484 725725. 

Joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme is completely free and has been proven to reduce your chance of getting burgled. For further information and home security safety advice visit the Neighbourhood and Home Watch website:- http://www.ourwatch.org.uk

* According to research by Halifax Home Insurance.

If you are interested in having an ABS Snap Secure lock fitted to your property please contact us to arrange fitting by calling 0800 046 7845 or visit www.keytek.co.uk  

How to move home hassle free

How to move home securely

Moving home is said to be one of the most stressful times of our lives. Issues with paperwork, solicitors’ appointments, estate agents and then the worry of the sale potentially falling through are some of the factors that add to the stress of the ordeal. After possibly one of your most expensive purchases, comes the much anticipated move involving more exercise than you’ve probably done all year. Once all is over and you’ve finally settled into your new home, comes a vital part that many people either forget or disregard... the importance of having the locks changed on your new property.

If you think of your current house key and how many people you know that have a spare, it becomes slightly worrying when you realise you have no idea how many people could have a key to your new home. Changing the locks when you move home should be a basic security precaution for every home owner, but this is still something many people forget or possibly never do. As well as leaving your home and its contents potentially unsecure, many insurance companies will not pay out if an intruder gains entry using a key, as there generally needs to be clear signs of breaking and entering.

When moving home and changing the locks there are a few things you should consider. You should check with your insurance company prior to the change to make sure they don’t have any minimum requirements. Many insurance companies will require you to have a tried and tested British standard lock fitted to your door and your locks changed can be fairly expensive making this an important requirement to double check, prior to a locksmith attending your property. When getting your locks changed/upgraded, it may also be worth investing in a key safe. Key safes are a fantastic way of storing spare keys; meaning you won’t run the risk of being locked out. You also have the security of knowing that the key is safe, especially since nearly 20% of people still hide their spare keys in an area of their garden in places many intruders will know to look.  If you are interested in buying a key safe, take a look at www.keytekshop.co.uk.

Whilst the locksmith is changing the locks, it’s a good idea to have a security check completed on your home at this point. Potential intruders could enter the property through a window so if you’re missing any window keys or the locks are looking a little old, it’s a good idea to have these checked also. These simple tips and considerations can help you enjoy your new home with no worries or shocks in or out of the house. If you would like to read any more information on home security and locksmith services, our website has lots of useful information! 

You can visit our website by going to www.keytek.co.uk. Or if after reading this blog you need your locks changing, call us now on 0800 035 0451! 

Summer Security

Stay secure during the Summer Holidays with our Summer Home Security Tips!

Whilst enjoying any holiday period whether it is summer, Easter or Christmas, one of the last things on your mind will probably be making sure that your home is secure. Whatever the time of year it is still very important to make sure that the security of your home doesn’t lapse whilst you are enjoying the holidays.

Don’t let a burglary ruin the summer holidays...

Unfortunately higher temperatures are not great for uPVC or wooden doors as changes in heat can often cause doors to swell or shrink. Potentially, these changes can unfortunately leave your property unsecure, as you may be unable to unlock or worse lock your door, leaving your home vulnerable to a break-in. When a door swells or shrinks it’s often a simple case of calling a highly skilled and trained locksmith to fix the problem for you, making ongoing accessibility much easier during those hot summer days, leaving you far less likely to find yourself locked out when you return from a day on the beach!

Problems with your door can be caused by a variety of other factors during the summer; a common cause being simple wear and tear especially when everyone is more partial to popping in and out of the back garden to top up the tan. This can also cause security issues for your home, especially if you’re unable to lock up due to the lock being damaged by continuous use. This problem can also be solved by calling a local locksmith to your home who will be more than willing to fix or replace any locks that have been damaged by wear and tear.  

Also, don’t forget to secure your home even when just popping out to the garden, this includes the window you have left open to catch the rare breeze. Leaving any doors or windows open during a sunbathing session in the garden could leave your home unsecure and pretty much a burglar’s dream of entering your property undetected whilst you’re in the garden.  According to statistics provided in this fantastic UK Burglary report provided by Tesco Compare 73% of burglars use a door to gain entry and in 3% of cases the door was open.