Home Security Tips by a Locksmith

As a Locksmith and Security System installer I typically get two types of calls from homeowners.

The first type is the "price shopper" who knows that their home needs some security upgrade like a deadbolt for instance. However, they are some times reluctant to spend money and they may feel that they are being paranoid. Many times after speaking with the homeowner on the phone they insist that the area they live in is very safe and that their neighbors are always home so they don't worry too much about break-ins.

The second type of homeowner that calls is the victim of a home burglary. They want to repair the damage from the break-in and also upgrade their security. Of course, I also get other phone calls but for simplicity we will stick to the two types listed above. Basically we have a "price shopper" and the "victim" types of callers.

The "price shopper" is easy for us to relate to. We all want a good deal, and we don't want to be accused of being paranoid by friends and family. Generally the price shopper either has locks that need repair or service, or they are aware of a hole in their current perimeter security. Sometimes I get the impression that the "price shopper" wants to be reassured that their current security is satisfactory. This of course I do not do until after I have performed a site inspection!

It is more complicated to relate to the "victim" as many of us have not been the victim of a burglary or break-in. I know quite a few people who have had close calls when it comes to a burglary or theft, or they have lost something in a minor crime that was not really that valuable to them. Another factor is that we sometimes insulate ourselves from crimes so that we don't worry or upset our family by focusing on negative things. It is a sad fact to accept, but houses get burglarized every day.

Rather than go into a statistical analysis of property crime, or argue about the safety of the area they live in I simply offer to perform a security evaluation of the customer's home. Whether "victim" or "price shopper" I offer the customer a security evaluation and generally spend about 30 minutes with them and make suggestions. Many of my suggestions are do-it-yourself type of suggestions but some require the use of a locksmith or handyman. These evaluations are sometimes called a "Threat Assessment". There are no obligations to use my service when I perform an evaluation, but my services are available if the customer decides to follow through on the suggestions later.

Below is a list of the most often suggested tips I give to homeowners.

Outdoors:

• Provide the outdoor perimeter of your home with plenty of lighting.
• Trim back bushes and trees to limit hiding spots for a potential burglar.
• Keep the yard tidy and remove any junk or clutter.
• Cut up large boxes from major purchases instead of placing them by the trash. This is usually a tip to a burglar to target your new TV!
• Use signage like "No Trespassing", "Beware of Dog", and Alarm signs or decals to deter criminals who may be profiling your home for a crime.

Windows:

• Close curtains and blinds to prevent observation into your home.
• Lock windows when leaving home for even short amounts of time.
• Purchase dowels or thumb turn window locks for windows that have a lack or a poor quality of lock mechanism.
• Consider using a window film that makes glass more difficult to break.
• Replace screens when they become damaged or are falling out of the window frame.
• Limit access to windows by locking up maintenance ladders, chairs, and tools.

Doors:

• Make sure every exterior door has a deadbolt properly installed.
• Make sure the door jamb is reinforced with wood and long screws. This is usually the critical weak point when a door is pried or kicked in.
• Glass sliding doors should have a dowel placed in the frame to prevent opening. There are products available for this often referred to as "Charlie Bars".
• Consider replacing screen doors with security doors made of steel or iron.
• Replace screens on all screen doors, insure locks are functional, and you might also replace screen door glass with "Pyrex" or "Lexan" glass.

Keys and Key Control:

• Never give out a spare key to a neighbor. Place spare keys in locking boxes mounted to a door or garage. These are often called "Realtor Boxes" and they lock the key in an armored box only opened with a numerical code.
• Never leave your house keys unattended, or on the key chain when you have work done on your vehicle.
• Never leave keys in the open when shopping, socializing, or visiting friends or co-workers.
• Always carry a spare house key or car key in your wallet or pocket-book.
• Consider keying your doors alike except for one door used only by the baby sitter, cleaning staff, or delivery workers. Then if this person is let go from service you are only paying a locksmith to rekey one door rather than ALL of your exterior doors.

Other Security tips for the Home:

• All doors should have a peep-hole viewer or camera to identify visitors prior to opening the door.
• Consider adding a locking mail drop box to prevent mail theft.
• Firearms and important documents should be locked in a quality safe or lock box. The safe should be bolted down or otherwise tethered to prevent theft of the entire container during a break-in.
• Consider adding a basic burglary alarm system that communicates with an alarm monitoring Central Station.
• CCTV or surveillance cameras are becoming easier to install and more affordable. Consider adding a system as they are excellent deterrents and can often help identify an intruder when viewed after the crime.
• Review your insurance coverage with your insurance agent to make sure you are protected for all of the valuables in your home. (Alarm systems are a great way to get a discount on your home owners or renters insurance.)
• Record to video media all of your personal property; especially collectables, jewelry, firearms and other items. Keep this video media (DVD, CD, Thumb Drive, Tape, etc.) in a safe, or in a safe deposit box off site.
• Mark your property with a unique mark or name with a scratch pen to easily identify your goods if they are recovered later.

As far as the two types of callers, my opinion as a Locksmith and Security Professional is that as a "price shopper" this person is on the road to making a good decision regarding their home security. They are aware of a need and are moving forward on it, sometimes with a gentle nudge in the right direction. If a caller is a victim of a burglary, I request that they please teach what they have learned to family and friends. This information from a respected peer can make a difference, and can prepare them to take steps toward crime prevention n their home.

In closing, please consider these tips regardless if you rent or own your current home. Do not assume that the current security features of your home are satisfactory. Have a security professional evaluate your home security. Every home can benefit from a security evaluation, and the peace of mind that comes with one is worth the time and effort. Discuss home security with all of your family members and other occupants to develop a plan for upgrading security and establishing a protocol to utilize during an emergency or crime.

To set up a security evaluation of your home in Colorado please contact:

Rocky Mountain Security Group

303-424-4942

web: http://www.rockymountainsecuritygroup.com/

email: info@RockyMountainSecurityGroup.com

Security Tips for Movers and Those People on the Go!

Security around the home can be universally overlooked by the average person (including myself) at times. Yes, even Security Experts can get distracted or complacent! Even so, those moving to a new area can have even tougher obstacles. In my case it was distraction and work overload that played havoc with my security. Having just moved my family across the state to a totally new area was difficult and presented many challenges. Not only did my home need to be moved, but also my shop and business. The stress of moving, fatigue, and unfamiliar places can add up to spell disaster.

Some of the things I came up with during this move really assisted me; security disasters were averted, prevented and avoided. I thought it best to share some of the tips used in my move and couple them with some tried and true home security measures. Many of these things I’m sure aren’t new to the average homeowner. Whether you are constantly on the go or are new to an area these tips can be helpful. Are they being implemented? That is the question and my challenge to you.

Vary your schedule and routes to home and work.
Neighbors notice when you leave and when you come home. If you are as predictable as the palace guard you are increasing your chances of being burglarized by a person near your home. Using different routes and varying times can also educate you on the area around your home. Which routes are most efficient at different times of day? Is there more than one way to get to work during construction or traffic problems? You can even learn what your neighbors or your teenagers are doing during your time away by surprising them when showing up unexpectedly.

In my case learning the roads in my new neck of the woods has proven very valuable to me and my wife. My unpredictable schedule also kept potential crooks jumping as I could show up literally at any time of day. Moving vans and boxes are a dead giveaway that someone new is moving in… but counter balancing that with unpredictability helps immensely. Leave to the corner store and come right back, or even go around the block then home. This may seem like paranoia but it isn’t when you are in a new or unfamiliar place. I often did this without even meaning to as I habitually leave my coffee or briefcase wherever I go!

Lights and sound equals ACTION!
Give the impression of activity when you aren’t at home or work. Leave a radio turned on and couple that by leaving a light on as well. Many times people think you are still “there” when they get the impression of activity.

The reverse is of course inactivity. Piled up phone books on the steps, items left in the same spot for weeks on end, no lights or sound; these things create a safe atmosphere for the crook. Ever walk into a place like a campground and just feel like “man, no one has been here for a LONG TIME.” Your home can also give that impression. You want the people around to believe that you are home or that you could be home at any time.

Light timers can be used on both lights, radios, and even televisions. No need for fancy home integration systems when a $15 timer will suffice. You can also have friends, relatives or trusted co-workers visit your place to create an impression of activity. Be careful handing out keys and alarm system codes however. Keys can be copied, and alarm codes can be mistakenly left for others to see. Lend out keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate” available at your local locksmith shop, or have your locks construction keyed. This makes a key temporary until the owner removes it from the construction key system. Then the temporary key no longer works and the lock does not need to be rekeyed.

If you are moving into a previously occupied place, have it rekeyed.
In the last tip it was suggested to have a place construction keyed for friends to create an atmosphere of activity when you are away or on vacation. But when you first buy or move in you must determine if the locks there are new, have been rekeyed, or even if they are already construction keyed or master keyed. You don’t want a stranger to just walk in during the middle of the night, do you? Nope and me either! Have a locksmith service your locks first thing when moving or renting a new place.

This isn’t going to break the bank if you do research and find a good local locksmith. If you are a DIY type of a person you can even replace the locks yourself by ordering them keyed alike from a hardware store or locksmith shop. Just make sure that when you move in all keys are accounted for and that locks are unique and in good working order. You also don’t want to get locked out by a malfunctioning lock or worn key.

The first thing I did upon getting our new home was have the locks replaced and rekeyed as needed. I was handed a pile of keys when I arrived by the previous occupant. Some of these keys did not work, some did, and a few I think were just pawned off on me. The lock to the shed didn’t work or have a key, the privacy locks in the bathroom and basement didn’t work, and the exterior door locks had worn over-copied keys that worked intermittently. I spent some money, replace those that needed it, lubricated locks, rekeyed locks and fixed the ones that were easily repaired or adjusted.

Not only did this help my overall security. It gave my Wife and myself peace of mind and lessened sources of possible stress. Yes it cost us some money to improve security but it would have been more stressful if we were locked out and more expensive to have a locksmith come afterhours to let us in. Also, no one has let themselves in with an unaccounted key as the locks are brand new! Seems like a no brainer to me!

Make eye contact and introduce yourself.
Another idea that can really help you and although it is obvious it is still overlooked. Be friendly to your new neighbors and introduce yourself! Make eye contact, smile, and stand up straight. Yes I am a Dad, but that isn’t the reason I’m lecturing you. Crimes happen less frequently to confident people who create boundaries and to those who don’t act like a victim.

By making eye contact you are displaying confidence. When you smile and introduce yourself you are asserting yourself, and setting a social boundary. You are saying “I’m here and I’m not afraid to talk to you and let you know I’m here.” If you are a nice person your new neighbors might even look out for you and help you out with local problem people or situations. Most people are good and want to help you out. The people who aren’t nice will show their colors in this situation and ignore you or display behavior that tells you “go away”. This is good to know and is actual a good way to gather intelligence on your new neighbors. If they frown, avert their eyes, ignore you or refuse to shake hands you can bet that they might be someone to watch or avoid.

Two sets of eyes are better than one.
When you are busy it is difficult to notice the little things. If you are stressed out, tired, or overwhelmed it can be worse. Is that a snake or a garden hose? Try to buddy up with someone during your move or travels to make it safer.

My sixteen year old daughter is often texting away obliviously, but she noticed that I left my front door unlocked. My wife can’t move heavy things, but she was good at pointing out strategies and missed items during the move. Even my cat helped by finding things dropped under the appliances! Another set of eyes is vital when you are on the go or are moving. At one point I had a moving truck hit my work van… but it was under the watchful eye of my friend helping me move and we spotted the moving truck before it could leave the scene unnoticed by me. Another disaster averted!

Final Thoughts
Be sure to vary your schedule and routes. Create an atmosphere of action by using lights and sound to give the impression you are home or nearby. Replace or rekey locks and make sure you can secure your property and loved ones at night. Make eye contact, smile and introduce yourself to learn about the new people that surround you and to display confidence. Being friendly with new people can help you and your family. Lastly, travel with a buddy. Get a second set of eyes to increase your awareness and point out the things you miss.

True security is not simply knowing about security tips, it is in the implementation. Security measures must be part of your daily routine, so much so that when you are stressed out or tired, they practically implement themselves. Added stress like moving or hectic schedules should not derail your security program.

To my amazement and to my families’ amusement, I made many errors during this strenuous move. I left my work truck unlocked overnight with tools and products inside. I simply forgot to lock the deadbolt on the old place with our belongings still inside. I even lost important paperwork and misplaced many vital business documents! But in the end nothing was stolen, we weren’t burglarized, and we were always safe. By implementing these security tips regularly I was able to have a safe move, and in the end my family’s safety is more important than financial or business concerns. Make sure to implement these security tips when you travel, are on the go or are in the middle of a project or move. They made my difficult move safe, and hopefully they help you too.

Contact:
Rocky Mountain Security Group
http://www.rockymountainsecuritygroup.com/
303-424-4942