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27/04/2014 15:19
As locksmiths in Croydon for many years we have seen lots of things and the number one thing that we advise all of our customers is to make sure that they protect all of their property whether inside or outside of the home.
 
One of the most vulnerable places around your home has got to be the outhouses such as sheds and garages but when people think of home security they often forget to think about protecting their garages and sheds and just take it for granted that having a basic lock on the door will protect them from opportunist thieves.
 
The trouble with garages and sheds are the fact that they contain are lots of high-value items that are easily portable and easily sold if you think about it most of the devices and tools kept in these outbuildings are a minimum of £100 so to a criminal these are great because they are easy to sell and they can get some good money for them this is why the security of these buildings is so important.
 
So we decided to put together a locksmiths guide on how to keep your sheds and garages safe and secure.
 
Our first tip has got to be make sure you put adequate door locks and padlocks on your garages and sheds a lot of people cannot be bothered when it comes to security of the outbuildings and think that a basic five pound padlock from the DIY store will be suitable for protecting hundreds of pounds worth of equipment.
 
When I'm here to tell you that the thieves that are targeting your property absolutely love it when people do not bother buying decent locks for their sheds because it makes it so much easier than two break into and they can be away with your valuable equipment before you've even realised what happened.
 
So when it comes to buying locks and padlocks we always recommend that you go for the best quality that you can afford because of better quality the lock the more secure your belongings inside our this may seem very obvious but you'll be surprised at the amount of jobs we go to as locksmiths where they have just put a basic lock on the door and the thief has broken in easily.
 
The next thing you need to do is assess any vulnerable points on the building itself example a lot of the cheaper sheds have cheap plastic for windows and these can be easily pushing so that someone can gain access to the inside of your shared now there's no point in having a good quality lock on your shed door if someone can just simply push in the plastic windows and gain entry that way.
 
So you need to think about the best way of securing these plastic windows and that has got to be by fitting bars on the inside of your shed or you can buy metal mesh that you can fix across the window this will allow light to come in still but will prevent anybody from being able to push the window in and gain access that way.
 
This is just one of the ways in which a ship can be vulnerable every sheds and out building is different and needs to be assessed for its vulnerable point if you're not too sure about where to start looking you can contact a local locksmith if you're looking to someone in Croydon old highly recommend this company https://www.mintlocksmithscroydon.co.uk/ as they provide a wide range of security services and offer free assessments of your home and external buildings.
 
Another step you can take to keeping your outbuildings safe is by adding them to your alarm a lot of alarm manufacturers now have add-ons that you can sit to external property this helps keep your external property safe and also notify you if someone tries to break in during the night.
 
This is a very simple step but is a massive deterrent when it comes to securing your sheds and garages as locksmiths we would recommend taking the security of your home very seriously and you need to try and make it very difficult for anybody that wants to target you and take your belongings so if you follow these simple steps you should be all set for securing your home against opportunist thieves.
18/04/2014 14:53
Whenever you think about a bad situation, do you try to immediately put it out of your head? Some people just hate to consider the negative things which can happen, which leaves them in the lurch when they do occur. Prepare for the worst by finding a good locksmith thanks to the tips below.
 
If you are locked out of your vehicle at a bar or a gentleman's club, give the locksmith you call the impression that you work there. Many times a locksmith will give you a higher quote if they assume you have been spending money. Being a little dishonest can save you some extra cash.
 
Do not let the locksmith begin work until he or she has given you an estimate. Rather than simply getting a verbal estimate, insist that the locksmith write the quote down on paper. This way, you have proof of the number that you were quoted. As long as you agree with the price, work can commence at that point.
 
You don't have to pay all the extra fees if you get a locksmith you can talk to during business hours that are normal. Calling a locksmith after normal business hours can cost extra. For instance, it normally costs about $50 for locksmith services to assist with a car lockout, but after hours, the fee could be $100 or more.
 
If you call a locksmith and they show up in an unmarked vehicle, you should be a bit concerned. Most legitimate locksmiths have a company vehicle. While having a plain car does not guarantee you are dealing with someone underhanded, you probably don't want to risk your security by working with them.
 
Ensure that the locksmith is licensed before hiring him. This certification ensures that he has the necessary skill to perform the work. Each state offers licensing of locksmiths. When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, a business card and his pocket license. This will help ensure that the person you are dealing with is who he says he is.
 
Most locksmiths are aware of how to pick a lock and help you gain access to your home. If you are told that the entire lock needs to be replaced, you should see this as a warning sign. This costs significantly more than picking the lock, which is the reason some locksmiths will say it is necessary.
 
Before you agree to hire any locksmith or think you can just call them at the drop of a dime, ask if they charge more for your specific location. Many businesses will add on extra charges if you happen to live more than 20 miles from their base location. Know this in advance to avoid an outrageous bill.
 
If you receive great service from a locksmith, you should keep his number on hand in case you need him again. A very good locksmith is not always easy to find, so it would not be a good idea to discard their information. You will be a lot safer if only once person handles all of your security needs.
 
If a locksmith wants to drill though your old lock and replace it, beware of hiring them. A professional locksmith will be able to open a door without producing any damage your lock.
 
Be sure to Google the business you wish to hire to see what others say about the quality of their work. This is an easy way to figure out if the company is a scam or not, but only if they haven't changed their name recently. If you can't find anything, that is another red flag.
 
When you are ready for anything, you fall for nothing. Even though thinking about a bad situation can be hard, preparing for it will be easy when you use these tips. You'll know who a great locksmith is and have him on ready for whenever you need his services.
18/04/2014 14:52

Under the right circumstances, a locksmith is your very best friend. When you realize that you've locked yourself out of your car, you are going to want a locksmith to come running. Get ready by locating a professional that handle any job where a locksmith is needed.
 
It may be tempting to call multiple locksmiths when you are locked out of your car or home, but this is a very bad idea. This means inconveniencing anyone that is unfortunate enough to show up a bit later. In some cases, all of them will leave you stranded as a courtesy to one another.
 
Be on the lookout for a locksmith that offers a quote and then raises price. Some companies want to take too much money from you, so they will scam you. If the estimate and the final cost are far different, you ought to seek a new locksmith.
 
If you call a locksmith and they answer the phone with a generic phrase, you should definitely be a bit wary. Opening the call with "locksmith" or "locksmith services" means that they may be avoiding giving you a legal name. This is not acceptable for anyone that has the ability to access your home.
 
The best way to find the most reliable locksmith is usually word of mouth. When you need one, start asking your friends and family who they trust. From there, check with the local BBB or other agency that will provide information about reputations. Don't just trust anyone with the keys to your home!
 
Try looking for a locksmith that works on homes, businesses and vehicles. This will help you avoid needed multiple people in case of emergency. Keep this person's number in your wallet and call them if there is a problem. Repeat business can sometimes result in you getting some pretty good discounts.
 
Get an estimate in writing before allowing the locksmith to begin working. This estimate should include the cost of unlocking the lock along with the cost of replacing the lock. You can agree to certain parts estimate. For example, you can agree to pay the service fee with the stipulation that if the lock needs replaced you will want to get several quotes.
 
If you have a keyless auto lock, let the locksmith know that when you call and ask for his service. All locksmiths are not qualified to handle this, so you may be wasting time by holding back this information. Most locksmiths will ask, but make sure to tell them in case they do not.
 
Try to have all your needs met by a single locksmith service. In other words, the same business that makes keys for you under casual circumstances should be the same business you call in an emergency. Otherwise, you risk not really being able to trust the service or being charged way too much for it.
 
When you find an amazing locksmith, tell people about it! Most everyone waits until an emergency arises before contacting a locksmith and that can mean not ending up with the best or most cost-effective services. Therefore, you will really be doing people you know a favor by passing on the business name and sharing the reliable services.
 
If you are looking for a goo locksmith, you should look on a site like Angie's List to see how others feel about the service they received. While this is not a guarantee that you will have a good experience, it certainly increases your chances of dealing with a good company.
 
You know that there are bad things that happen, and you should prepare for them. Since you have read this article, you have a greater insight on how to be better prepared. Identify a quality locksmith candidate now to avoid serious problems in the future.
18/04/2014 14:49

Many people do not consider who they ought to be aware of before disaster occurs. 911 can't help when your keys are missing! Get a great locksmith to prevent this from happening.
 
To protect your safety when hiring a locksmith, be sure to check the locksmith's identification before allowing him or her to enter your home. Several states, including Texas, Illinois, California, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and New Jersey, require locksmiths to be professionally licensed. Ask to see your locksmith's license.
 
If you have an attached garage, you should hire a locksmith to make sure that the door is secure. Many people fail to do this and they end up having someone enter their home unauthorized. Even if you close and secure the garage dorr, you should still have a lock put on the door to the house.
 
If you are locked out of your vehicle at a bar or a gentleman's club, give the locksmith you call the impression that you work there. Many times a locksmith will give you a higher quote if they assume you have been spending money. Being a little dishonest can save you some extra cash.
 
When a locksmith comes to help you, always ask to see their ID. In some states, the locksmith has to have a license as well, like in California, North Carolina, New Jersey and Texas. Do your research ahead of time so you know what documentation your locksmith needs to have.
 
Call several locksmiths and get quotes before settling on one. Services come in a wide variety of prices, so you want to be sure you are getting the best one. You don't have to call every locksmith in the phone book, but you should try contacting between four and six.
 
Do not trust a locksmith that gives you a quote that is far less than any others you have contacted. In some cases, this is done with the intention of reeling you in. Once they begin to service you, they will start to add on additional fees for things like paperwork and the fuel they used to get to where you are.
 
In most states, locksmiths are required to have insurance. Ask to see proof of any policies before they start doing any work. You want to make sure that you are covered in case they do a shoddy job and someone gains unauthorized access to your home. Do not allow a low price to make you overlook this.
 
Before you hang up the phone with a locksmith, tell them you want a written and signed estimate before they start the job. Anyone who hesitates is looking to make a few quick bucks. You should also make sure to get a receipt after all of the work has been done.
 
Most locksmiths are aware of how to pick a lock and help you gain access to your home. If you are told that the entire lock needs to be replaced, you should see this as a warning sign. This costs significantly more than picking the lock, which is the reason some locksmiths will say it is necessary.
 
When you call a locksmith for the first time, always ask how long they have been in business for. Have they always worked in the same location? If the company has been around for several years, that's good news.
 
Let the locksmith know you expect to see ID when he arrives. Mention this during your phone conversation, and let them know you expect proper identification to be presented when the contractor arrives. A good locksmith will be in uniform and have ID ready to show you.
 
Preparing for bad times ahead is what helps us get through them. With this information, you should not have any issues with keys disappearing. You'll be sure to make the outcome a positive one.
18/04/2014 14:46
Do you need the assistance of a locksmith? There could be any one of a myriad of reasons why you want to hire such a professional. Don't worry about the "why", right now is the time to worry about the "how". Keep reading to learn how you can easily find a great professional.
 
If you have an attached garage, you should hire a locksmith to make sure that the door is secure. Many people fail to do this and they end up having someone enter their home unauthorized. Even if you close and secure the garage dorr, you should still have a lock put on the door to the house.
 
You want to be sure that you get a receipt once you pay a locksmith. Though the majority of locksmiths can be trusted, some do try to scam customers. Therefore, get proof that the services were paid for in full. Put the receipt in a safe place in case a question about the payment arises later on.
 
If you get locked out of your vehicle, make sure that the locksmith doesn't block your car in when he gets there. Unscrupulous people will do this in order to get more money from you. Never pay them anything. The best thing to do would be to take note of their license plate and call the police.
 
If you're unsure about the reliability of a particular locksmith, you need to look them up on the website of the Better Business Bureau. This will help you to feel more confident with your choice.
 
If you call a locksmith and they show up in an unmarked vehicle, you should be a bit concerned. Most legitimate locksmiths have a company vehicle. While having a plain car does not guarantee you are dealing with someone underhanded, you probably don't want to risk your security by working with them.
 
When you are looking to have a locksmith install a new lock, ask them to use one that has high security. These cost a bit more, but they will keep you a lot safer than traditional locks. You need to show an ID card as well as a card provided by the locksmith in order to have duplicate keys made.
 
When you call a locksmith company, inquire as to how potential employees are vetted by the administration. It is always good to hear that technicians went through a criminal background check prior to being hired. This should provide you with some peace of mind that the technician that comes out to your location is only there to help you.
 
Always do some comparison shopping with locksmiths. Figure out the best of the top 5 locksmiths in your area. This gives you a better idea of the average rate for the job. You will be better prepared to see who is being fair with their pricing and who is trying to gouge customers.
 
Now that you have the "how" covered, the time has come to move on to "doing". That means using these tips to ensure you find a professional who does what they promise. In fact, you'll find it won't take you long to locate someone who offers great work at an affordable price.

Contact

locksmiths good times clive_james2@aol.co.uk