Q: Why should I use a professional locksmith?
A: Professional locksmiths have all the experience and knowledge needed to solve the most demanding security issues. Professional locksmiths also have the right tools to get the job done in the right manner reducing unneccesary damages to your car, home or business. We are also licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection.
Q: I moved into a new home. Should I change the locks?
A: The answer is not neccesarily. You definitely want to protect your home from unknown people who have keys to the locks on your home. You could replace all of the locks or you also could have all of the locks re-keyed. This means keeping the same locks but having them use a different key than the one that opens it now. An advantage to having all of the locks re-keyed is that all of the locks can be re-keyed to one key saving you the hassle of having to carry around so many keys.
Q: What is lock bumping? Should I be worried?
A: Lock bumping is a technique exposed recently that allows someone to use a bump key that has been specially manufactured to open any lock of the same type with the bump technique. This is very troubling because most locks can be compromised with this technique and you cannot detect any forced entry. To prevent this, high security locks with anti-bumping measures such as, Medeco and Mul-T-Lock, should be used.
Q: Do you have any security tips to enhance my home security?
A: Yes:
- Purchase the highest level of security that your budget will allow. High level security is recommended by the Police Department and Insurance Companies.
- Use the best quality locks to secure gates leading to your fire escape.
- Turn off the telephone ringer when you are away from home for an extended period. An unanswered telephone signals to intruders that no one is home.
- Install a 180-degree peephole so that you can inspect your hallway without opening your door.
- Ask to see the identity of someone claiming to be from the utility or telephone company. A genuine worker will be pleased that you asked and will give you their card. Inspect the card carefully before allowing them to enter your home.
- Re-key your locks immediately if you lose your key.
- Ask your locksmith for a valid license, he must carry one.
- When in doubt, ask for advice from your locksmith or from the Crime Prevention Officer at your local precinct.
- Tune the stereo or TV to your favorite station when you leave the house to indicate to an intruder that someone is at home.
- DO NOT:
- Leave your keys in or near the lock where it might easily be seen and taken by a thief.
- Leave a spare key outside your home. Most hiding places are obvious to intruders.
- Mark your keys with your identification or address.
- Leave a message on your answering machine revealing that you are away from home.
- Leave notes on your door, even when you're at home.