Break-in’s increase during the summer. Use our checklist to keep the odds in your favour.
1. SHARE INFORMATION
Create a WhatsApp group and let your neighbours know if there is unusual activity or crime on your block.
Join your local Neighbourhood Group on Facebook and learn about recent activities.
eg: Stonebridge Neighbourhood Watch
Share video and images from your doorbell camera or security cameras.
Share information with the Police as it may help with an arrest.
2. DO NOT ADVERTISE YOU ARE AWAY
Ask all strangers for identification. The person who is “lost” and looking for directions could actually be a burglar checking to see if someone is home.
DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are travelling. You may think you’re letting your friends and family know you’re having a great time, but people often forget to change their privacy settings. If you like to post photos – post them after you get back.
3. KEEP YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS LOCKED
Many burglars go door to door looking for targets that forgot to lock their front doors and car doors. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
If you lose a key get the locks changed.
A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an Alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.
Install monitored door and window sensors.
When your security system is “armed” an instant alert is sent to your smartphone and our 24/7 Monitoring Stations
Some properties may require security roll shutters to keep intruders out
4. USE PROPPER LIGHTING
Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night.
Install timers that turn lights, radios and televisions on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home.
A better option is to install Alarm.com smart lights and smart appliance modules and setup on an alternating schedules.
Nothing beats a home security system when it comes to keeping your property safe. Having one can even lower your homeowner’s insurance. But, that’s not all a home alarm system can do.
It can actually save your life.
Decrease the likelihood of a violent burglary
Many burglars are on the hunt for an easy job. They’re just looking to make a quick buck, which means burglarizing your house when you’re away from home. As devastating as coming home to your house in shambles can be, it doesn’t shine a candle to what can happen if the intruder doesn’t care whether you’re home or not.
There are countless stories of home burglaries gone wrong. In some of these cases, the homeowner is injured or killed, while in other cases, the burglar was injured or killed. If you’re lucky to survive, your life will likely never be the same.
There’s also the possibility that the intruder isn’t looking to burglarize your property at all. They’re looking to be violent in the first place.
A home security system can stop all of this from happening. A few well-placed cameras and stickers in the window are enough to keep most home intruders at bay before they are able to change your family’s life for the worse.
Emergency services
A home alarm system will automatically register the presence of an intruder and send emergency personnel to your location, even if you’re unable to answer their call. But, did you know that some alarm systems provide other emergency services?
Each system is equipped with an emergency button. Even if the alarm isn’t tripped, that button can be pushed and you’ll be immediately connected to a representative from the alarm company. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, or you’re witnessing another emergency in your home or your neighborhood, you can push that button. Even if the person on the other end can’t help you directly, they’ll be able to get you the help you need.
Fire and smoke detection
Home alarm systems aren’t just for deterring and identifying burglars, even if that happens to be their primary function. They can keep your family safe in other ways, and that includes fire and smoke detection.
Every second that a fire rages on, the more dangerous it is to your family and your property. A home security system can lessen the time it takes for firefighters to arrive on the scene, ultimately increasing your chances of making it out of the house alive.
You’re probably thinking that you have smoke detectors already, but what if they go off when you’re in the bathtub? Or you’re in bed? Getting to a phone quickly can be difficult and dangerous. With a monitored alarm, the call will be made on your behalf immediately. All you have to do is worry about getting your family out of the house safely.
Carbon monoxide detection
Burglaries, fires, and medical emergencies are obvious, but what about the dangers that lurk in your home that aren’t so obvious?
Carbon monoxide is known as the “Invisible Killer“. It’s colorless and odorless, which means your family may be subjected to this deadly gas and not even know it. But, you’ll know right away if you have a monitored alarm in your home.
Your system won’t be able to remove the deadly gas from the air, but it will monitor the levels of carbon monoxide in your home. If they reach dangerous levels, you’ll be notified right away. Your home alarm company may even be able to provide you with information on the next steps you should take to rid your home of its presence.
With so many great home security systems to choose from at affordable prices, it’s silly not to look into your options. Choosing the right one could save your life.
No one wants to live in fear or feel that they are not safe but many of us do not take enough precautions to avoid this situation from occurring. In fact, you will probably be surprised at just how easy it is for someone else to invade your space and wreak havoc on your home without you ever even knowing! This article will provide you with valuable tips on how to improve security in your home.
Upgrade Your Locks
The most basic and cheapest method of boosting security is to upgrade your locks. Make sure every door and window has good quality locks and use them. Doors should have deadlocks, which means they can be locked from the inside without a key, whilst windows should have strong latches that require a screwdriver rather than your fingers to open them.
Security Lighting And Fittings
Another thing you can do is install some outdoor lighting positioned so it illuminates your property as much as possible. Ensure you have lights along your driveway and near your house so people cannot approach your home unseen. It is a good idea to use fittings that activate when someone approaches them, like motion sensor lights or solar lights with timers on them. This way you can deter intruders before they even get to your house.
Personal Alarms And Panic Buttons
Personal alarms are available at most hardware stores and they are surprisingly affordable these days. They offer quite a lot of protection because if an intruder hears one siren go off, they will likely run away in search of an easier target! You could also consider installing panic buttons inside your property and secure locks especially if you live alone and need emergency assistance in case of a break-in.
CCTV Systems
Cameras are a smart way to keep your family and property safe. They provide excellent footage of any incident so you can review it afterward, which enables you to identify criminals and give evidence should you need to take legal action against them. There are lots of systems available depending on how much money you want to spend and how tight you want your security to be. The professionals at JMC Secure show the importance of investing in some very good CCTV camera deals that can satisfy your needs and offer a big range of cameras that come with motion sensors that send an alert when movement is detected and help prevent unwanted intrusion in your homes.
Portable Security Alarms
If you’re going on holiday, you might want to consider buying yourself a portable security alarm. They usually come with a key and pin and can easily be attached to your front door or any other area where intruders could enter at the point of entry. If the door is forced open, the alarm will go off, attracting attention from neighbors and scaring away any criminals who may have been trying to break in.
Secure Your Garage And Property From Car Crime
If you need to park outside, try not to place yourself in spots where you can be easily ignored by others, such as around corners or just near other vehicles. It may also be useful for you at times if there was somewhere that could hold one set of keys to your property, which only you have (and would consider using) in emergencies.
Considerations before buying a smart lock for your home
BY JASON STEVENS
Do you have multiple family members coming and going from your home on a daily basis? What if someone loses their keys? What if someone gets locked out of the house? These are just a few of the reasons smart locks and keyless entry door locks are rapidly growing in popularity.
In addition to the safety benefits, smart locks are just more convenient. Gone are the days of fumbling through your purse for front door keys while you’ve got a squirming toddler in your arms. To unlock your door, simply punch in your numerical combo and you’re on your way. Connect your front door smart lock to a mobile app, and you’ll never have to lie in bed again and worry whether you secured the door. Just pick up your smartphone, check the front locks, and sleep peacefully. While the use of keyless door locks is in popularity, hacking into home locks is growing in popularity as well.
We’ve outlined details about the best keyless door locks and smart locks for your home, so you can choose what works best for you and your family.
Types of keyless smart locks
Thanks to creative minds and ever-advancing technology, you’re not only able to more efficiently protect your home, but you may also have the ability to easily unlock the door with the sound of your voice or a quick number combination. When selecting keyless entry options for your home, here are a few things to consider:
Keypad locks are easy to set up and require a PIN number to unlock the door. Individual users can also have their own unique PINs, and you can change codes anytime. Brinks Home offers the KwikSet 888 Smartcode Deadbolt and the KwikSet SmartCode Wireless Keypad Leverlock. Both keypad locks feature a stainless steel side locking bar as well as racks and pins for increased strength and security. While these locks lack remote accessibility, they save kids and other family members from keeping up with keys. Additionally, since keypad locks don’t access the internet, they can’t be hacked.
Wi-Fi-enabled lock options allow for more control both on-site and remotely. So if one of the kiddos forgot their key, a quick call to Mom or Dad and the push of a mobile button on a smartphone app will solve the problem. While some homeowners enjoy the convenience of a full wireless setup, keep in mind that any lock connected to the internet could be vulnerable to hackers. If you don’t want the hassle of connectivity, the tried-and-true deadbolt and keypad may be for you.
Key fobs act as an electronic key that can wirelessly lock and unlock your home up to 500 feet away. Key fobs are a good option for those who don’t want to remember a code but still want the technology of a smart lock. In addition to keyless entry lock fobs, keychain remotes can turn lights on and off, open garage doors, and, in case of emergency, activate police or auxiliary panic alarms. Just remember to keep your keychain remote safe, otherwise you may accidentally alert the authorities.
Biometric solutions can help lock down and protect your space with the scan of a fingerprint. Though usually reserved for businesses, easily programmable biometric locks can also arm your home through fingerprint or facial recognition. While these exclude the need for remembering a passcode or carrying any type of key, these biometric options do tend to be a bit pricey and may still be vulnerable to hackers.
Keyless lock features to consider
In addition to assessing what size lock will fit your door, you also need to consider the outside environment around your home, your budget, and who will use your locks. Here are some things to think about before making your purchase:
Durability: Make sure your lock can not only stand up to intruders and vandals, but also to any extreme weather.
Is your lock waterproof and heat-resistant, for instance?
Will it perform well in cold weather?
Before purchasing a smart lock, ask about any guarantees or warranties in the event your keyless lock incurs damage.
Integrations
What is the most efficient way you and your family can operate locks?
Will a numeric keypad do the job, or would you prefer to have remote access in case of emergency?
Do you want your door lock to work cohesively with your cameras, alarms, or overall security surveillance system?
You can also connect Brinks Home products with your Google or Alexa digital assistant to enable voice command.
Wi-Fi connectivity: To connect integrations, you’ll need a solid Wi-Fi connection.
Before you purchase any devices, make sure they have adequate range to reach throughout your home and, even better, into your garage and backyard. That way you won’t have to interrupt your evening on the back porch to unlock the door for a guest.
Power source: Some keyless entry options are battery-operated, while others rely on electricity. Either way, getting locked out of the house is always a possibility, so have a backup plan, such as hiding a spare key in a secure location (that’s not under your welcome mat) or leaving a key with a trusted friend.
Visit www.ahwatukeelocksmithaz.com to learn more about keyless entry locks as well as other types of locks. For professional locksmith assistance, call (480) 719-6057
When it comes to real estate, everyone has their preferences, and apartments are no exception. And there are so many factors to consider when deciding which part of a building you’d like to live in.
For example, do you want to live on a higher floor and have a better view, but deal with it being warmer than other parts of the building? Or would an apartment on a lower floor be better, if the elevator breaks (or the building doesn’t have one at all)?
And of course, safety is another concern—especially for apartments on the ground- or lower-levels. But sometimes, those are the only units available in a building and/or at your price range. In that case (or if you prefer being closer to the ground), here are some tips for making your place a bit safer and more private.
Invest in window treatments
Yes, this one’s obvious, but really important, and overlooked more often than you’d think. Putting up some combination of curtains, drapes, blinds, and/or shades not only gives you more privacy, but it also prevents passersby and would-be burglars from seeing what you have inside.
Install window locks or security bars
Most rental apartments—even in older buildings—should have windows that lock. Whether or not those locks are functional is a different question, so start by checking those. If they don’t work, check with your superintendent, landlord, or building management company to see if they can be replaced. Even with the standard locks, you may also want to install an additional lock, or security bars for another layer of protection.
Ensure the hallways are well-lit
Let’s say someone who doesn’t belong in your building is able to gain access to it: Having dim, poorly-lit interior hallways will make it easier for them to remain undetected. And so whether you rent or own your apartment, it’s a good idea to talk to your building’s management about keeping the hallways sufficiently lit.
Visit us at www.ahwatukeelocksmithaz.com and learn how we can make your apartment more secure. Call us at (480) 719-6057 for professional lock installation assistance.
A locksmith will come to your rescue if you become locked out or if you are looking for lock or security upgrades, so it is a good idea to have someone in mind that you can call and count on. But how are you supposed to find a skilled locksmith? We are going to provide some tips to hire a good locksmith. As a mobile locksmith, we are proficient in installing new locks, deadbolt changes, lock rekeys, lock repairs, security camera/CCTV installation, safe unlocking and other lock and key services.
We believe that customers should be a priority for any business. That is why we put ourselves in the shoes of our customers. We care about them. But this is just one thing to look for when hiring a good locksmith.
We recommend finding a locksmith that is mobile. What does this mean? It means they come to their customers, delivering the needed services. This would be important if you were to ever become locked out, because you would need help to arrive to your location.
We also recommend finding a locksmith that offers various services. You might be initially interested in lock repair, but perhaps the job just cannot be done, so lock replacement is needed. Or maybe you call on a locksmith because your key is stuck in the ignition, so you believe broken key extraction is needed. Upon further inspection, it turns out an ignition change is needed. It would be beneficial if the locksmith you hired was skillful in performing both services. This is just one example of the importance of offering various services.
Another recommendation is to find a locksmith that offers fair, competitive pricing. You want to make sure that the person you hire does not try to scam you. The price should not change significantly when the locksmith shows up to do the job, or at all. It is one thing for something unexpected to arise, but it is another thing for the cost to suddenly shoot up for no known reason. Fair pricing is important when looking for a good locksmith.
A locksmith that is proficient in commercial, automotive and residential services will be capable of providing so many different services. From safe unlocking and commercial lock replacement, to ignition changes and transponder key programming, there will be many services for you to choose from. As far as residential locksmith services, a locksmith will be capable of performing lockout help, keyless entry system installation, lock changes, deadbolt changes, safe installation, and more. Clearly, it is a good idea to find a locksmith that you can count on to be skillful and adroit.
What to Avoid
So now that you have a better idea of what to expect and look for in a locksmith, we are going to briefly cover some tips on what to avoid, so you can make sure you are hiring a good locksmith.
1.) Be careful to avoid locksmith scams. There are people out there who might try to lie or manipulate you and take advantage of your situation. If you are locked out, and the locksmith gives you a price for getting back inside, they should not show up when you are involved in a vulnerable situation and then suddenly change the price without warning. This would be very unfair to the customer.
2.) Another way to avoid locksmith scams is to make sure the person shows up with either identifying clothing or an actual physical ID. You wouldn’t expect someone to show up to an office setting in a t-shirt and shorts, in most cases. A locksmith should have some sort of identifying logo on their clothing, or at the very least, they should be dressed professionally.
3.) Determine your end goal in hiring a locksmith. Are you interested in more advanced locks, such as keyless locks or smart locks? Do you frequently have guests come into town and it would be easier for you to provide them with a code to get into your home, rather than having to create copies of your key often? Perhaps a break-in occurred next door and this has you wondering how sturdy your own locks happen to be. Knowing what your end goal is will help you to find a good locksmith that is prepared to do what they can to address your particular locksmith dilemma.
A locksmith will come to your rescue if you become locked out of your home or commercial property, or if you are looking for lock or security upgrades. This is why it is a good idea to have someone in mind that you can call and count on for lock and security solutions. But how are you supposed to find a skilled and adept locksmith? How are you supposed to know what to look for, or what to avoid? We have taken the time to provide some tips to hire a good locksmith, and we have included tips that will help you avoid hiring a locksmith that could be attempting to scam you or take advantage of you. As a mobile locksmith, we are proficient and adept in installing new locks, combination changes, deadbolt changes, lock rekeys, lock repairs, lock replacement, security camera/CCTV installation, window lock installation, safe unlocking, patio and garage lock installation, and other lock and key services.
It is important to find a locksmith that appreciates their customers and treats them respectfully. We believe in treating our customers the way we would want to be treated. That is why we put ourselves in their shoes and ask ourselves what we would want in the same situation. It is our belief that this helps us to serve our customers better.
We hope this information helps you to find a good locksmith. We hope that we have answered any questions that you might have about finding someone proficient and adroit in providing lock and security solutions.
Are you thinking of
adding access control to your Ahwatukee, AZ business or industrial location? It
may be a very smart choice! For those not familiar with access control, it is
simply a way to better control the flow of people throughout a location, by use
of locks, hardware, signage or other tools. While the term “access control”
sounds mysterious or even intimidating, it’s really not. Remember the last time
you went to a sporting event? You entered through one location and got in line
at another to buy your ticket. You got into another designated line to present
your ticket in order to gain paid entry. You were directed to an assigned seat
and after enjoying the event, you exited through a designated doorway that most
likely opened from the inside and not the other way around.
It’s all around us!
Access control is used
by all of us on a daily basis - not only here in Ahwatukee, AZ but everywhere
in the world! You see evidence of access control in restaurants, hotels,
nursing homes, shopping malls, universities, apartment rentals, retail stores,
government buildings, schools, casinos, sporting events and even funeral homes.
Why is access control important?
Access control
use enables us to enjoy privacy, security and order. By restricting access
to certain parts of a building or location, we can enjoy enhanced benefits that
would not be possible during an all-out free for all. Take banks for instance.
Our Ahwatukee
Locksmith AZ technicians often are called upon to install keypad devices,
CCTV, panic bars and badge readers at local banks, savings and loans and other
financial institutions. Can you imagine if anyone visiting your bank was
allowed to enter into the vault, safety deposit box room, or manager’s office?
Thanks to access control, only authorized personnel can gain entry to these
areas and their contents.
More examples
Visit your local
jeweler and you’ll see additional examples of access control. The gems, watches
and necklaces are kept inside of locking glass cases and only the staff,
manager or owners have authorized access. Additional gems and investment grade
stones are kept in a private vault in a private, no public access area. The
back door to the store is protected by a panic bar, an exit sign and an alarm
system. You as a customer know that you are to stand on one side of the cash
register and glass cases. How do you know? The signs and roped-off areas say
so! If you are observant, you will start noticing access control everywhere you
go. Access control can be applied in residential, commercial, industrial and
institutional locations and in each case, it makes crowd flow and employee
access more controlled, safer, and orderly.
Fingerprint locks
Biometric
lock technology or fingerprint locks is a fairly new and emerging from of
access control. The person trying to gain access to an area or a device must
enter a thumbprint, handprint or even retina scan first to see if it is
recognized. If it is; access is granted! This form of access control is
probably the most expensive form and is used in high dollar locations or
products like banks, luxury high rises, jewelry stores, museums, luxury hotels
and the like.Apple is now using this
form of access control mixed with a number sequence on a keypad backup for
greater security for their iPhone buyers.
Panic bars
Also known as push
bars or exit bars, these universally used horizontal bars seem to be
everywhere! There’s a reason for that; they work! Push bars help with crowd
flow by allowing the user to “push” on the bar and open the door. This is done
easily, quickly, and with no knob turning or keys in the lock. You’ll usually
find panic bars on exit doors that don’t have normal access into the room or
building. This one-way flow helps keep the traffic moving along and leads to
less panic and trampling in times of danger.
Push to exit buttons
These are mounted on
walls near the exit doors and just like the name implies; you push on the
button to release the door in order to exit. Most of the times, these buttons
are red or green and clearly marked “push to exit.”
Motion sensors
This unique technology
detects a person or a vehicle approaching the exit and when it does, it unlocks
the door or gate. This is often used in government facilities or in country
club communities where access is limited to authorized personnel or certain
residents.
Emergency exits
These are usually
located near the exit and are attached to the wall. There are two main types of
these. One type uses a pull down handle that releases the door. The second type
is the one where you break the glass and a switch inside is activated that
releases the door.
Keypads
These are quite common
in the access control industry and can be found in many applications ranging
from car doors to luxury hotels. They are easy to use and only provide minimum
security as anyone standing behind you can observe your key code and use it later
to gain access. In order for keypad devices to be more secure, a video
surveillance system needs to be implemented along with it so that visual
recognition can be matched to the number sequence entered.
Proximity readers
These are also known
as swipe cards or badges. These readers are a form of keyless entry in that no
keys are needed to gain access to a room or building. A badge or swipe card
embedded with a bar code or a computer chip is either held up to the device to
be read (proximity) or swiped in order to be recognized and to be allowed
access.
Get more info
Is access control
right for you? If you’ve read this far, it might be! We urge you to call an
experienced Ahwatukee
locksmith expert and get additional details and all of your questions answered.
offers the 
