“LOCK-BUMPING”

   You’ve probably heard this term lately, but what does it mean?  Well, this is a technique that has been around for years but has surfaced lately in the hands of skilled criminals who have successfully gained unlawful, unforced entry without any evidence that a crime has been committed; except for an empty home.  Any Lock that is NOT Hi-Security can be potentially “bumped” open with the use of a specially cut key, and a criminal can get this key anywhere.

    How do you protect yourself from this type of entry?

It’s wise to evaluate all access & entry points into your home, including windows & sliding glass doors.  Unfortunately, if someone wants to get in your home they will use any means necessary, although your piece of mind is to limit their choices!  The Best choice is to install a High-Security Lock.

 

10 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT HOME SECURITY

 

A CRIME OF OPPORTUNITY        

Break-ins are a crime of opportunity, where entry is gained due to carelessness.  Follow these ten essentials and you will all but eliminate the chance of unlawful entry.

 

(1) LOCK ALL YOUR DOORS & WINDOWS 24/7.

* Most unlawful entry is through doorways, and about 50% of those are through doors left unlocked.  An unlocked lock is not a lock!

- 51% of break-ins occur during daylight.

- 49% occur after dark.

- 8600 break-ins a day. 1 every 13 seconds.

 

(2) DEADBOLT ALL EXTERIOR ENTRANCES

* Most burglaries are the result of forcible entry.  Every exterior entryway into your home needs a deadbolt with a  full 1” Throwbolt.

- Treat the door from garage to inside the house as an exterior door.  Exterior Doors should be solid, 1 3/4” Hardwood with secure frames.

 

(3) INTRUDERS FEAR THE SPOTLIGHT

* An intruders greatest fear is being seen.  Don’t give them a place to hide.

- Good exterior lighting around your perimeter creates a psychological barrier.

- Consider motion activated light fixtures.

- All porches and other entrances should be lit with at least 40-watt bulbs.

- Trim overgrown bushes, tree limbs , or landscaping to the height of porches or windows.

 

(4) GLASS CAN SHATTER YOUR SECURITY.

- Locks less than an arm’s length away from glass panels and sidelights require glass brick, grates or grilles.  Where building codes allow, install double cylinder deadbolts that need to be opened with a key from the inside as well as the outside.

- A sliding glass door is lifted into position when installed-and easily lifted out if you’re not careful.  Adjust screws in the door track to limit clearance.  Add a wooden dowel or broom handle too.

- Retrofit gorund floor windows with locking hardware.

 

(5) “WHILE YOU’RE ON VACATION, I’LL JUST LET MYSELF IN.”

* Maintain the appearance of occupancy at all times.

- Use automatic timers to turn on different lights at different times.

- Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers, and occasionally use your garbage cans.

- Most break-ins occur between 10am and 3pm.

- Put a radio or a TV on a timer,  Turn the ringer on the telephone down.

 

(6) START A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH.

- Neighbors watching out for each other is the most effective method of crime prevention.  Host a Neighborhood Watch get-started meeting for your block, and invite a police department representative to assist with planning, education, training and prevention techniques.

 

(7) REMEMBER THAT KEY YOU THOUGHT YOU PUT UNDER THE MAT?

- Never hide keys under a mat, or taped above a door jamb: Burglars know these Places!

- Leave a key with a trusted neighbor.

- Don’t place identification tags on your key or key rings.

 

(8) HELP THE POLICE HELP YOU

- House number should be at least 4” to 6” high, reflective and visible from the street.

- Numbers should be illuminated at night.

- Report strangers running through private yards, alley ways, or anyone looking into windows of houses or parked cars.

- Call the police.  Don’t worry about false alarms.  Better to be safe than sorry.

- Call 911 if an emergency threatens human life or property.  If not an emergency, call your local police department directly.

 

(9) BURGLARS PREFER CASH.

* Burglars want cash or items easily fenced for cash;  small electronic equipment, computers, cameras, jewelry, hand guns.  Don’t make it easy....

- Empty stereo and television boxes in the alley is a strong temptation to “inquire within.”

- Hide your valuables or keep them under lock and key.

- Engrave your valuables with “THIS PROPERTY STOLEN FROM.....”  Marked property is difficult to fence and easier to recover.

 

(10) GONE IN 60 SECONDS.

* Research by The National Crime Prevention Institute shows that burglars generally will work no longer than 60 seconds to obtain entry.

 

** We have OPTIONS.  Be Informed.

 Insist on the

BEST SECURITY AVAILABLE

 

NOTICE TO HOMEOWNER

 

“IS YOUR LOCKSMITH WHO YOU THINK HE IS?”

How did you choose your Locksmith?

Are they Chamber of Commerce Members?

Did you pick this Locksmith based on Price?

 

Ask yourself:  I’m inviting a potential stranger into my home - Does he have the credentials to be here?

                     Is he wearing an I.D. Badge?

Do their recommendations make sense?

 

Don’t get fooled by the Phony-Locksmith

 

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee that our employees are all carefully screened, and extensive background checks and drug tests are completed before they are hired.  We do this not only for the credibility of our company but also for your piece of mind.  Remember, the locksmith that comes into your house now has the power to unlock your doors.