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New Home? Then Change Your Locks

Over half of people don’t change their locks when they move into a new property. The very idea of other keys to your home out there is a scary thought but it would seem many people don’t consider this potential danger. So why should you change your locks after moving into a new home? Old Locks If you have locks that are old and not completely secure you should change them just from a security standpoint. Faulty locks make it worryingly easier for burglars to gain entry to your home and protecting it, and your family, is an absolute priority. Insurance Claims Rejected If a spare key is left by the previous owner to someone who uses it to commit a theft in your new property, it might allow an insurance company to deny a claim. This is because not all policies cover things like willingly given keys as an incidence of a break-in. Check your insurance to see what is covered but always the safest thing to do is replace the external door locks in a new property. Peace of Mind Simply knowing your locks have been changed can give you peace of mind in a newly purchased home. It’s possible you could know the previous owners, but it’s certainly not often. And even if you did, you won’t know everyone they might have given a copy of the house key to. New external locks picked to your own personal security preferences (and you know exactly who has a key) will automatically provide peace of mind in your new property. So, have you recently moved, or are about to, and want to change your locks? Call 07935 628828 for a great lock change service and there’s also a discount when we change multiple locks on a property.

Would Your Locks Deter a Burglar?

The right protection for your home against break-ins and burglaries is important. Because while according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), burglaries are declining year on year, the main reason for the reduction is the quality of locks that people are fitting to their doors has improved in recent years. But if you haven’t upgraded locks recently you may still have the kind that doesn’t provide much protection against a savvy burglar. We can help identify any potential problem by offering a free security survey on your doors and windows. And we can show you the difference in protection that the latest locks and gadgets offer. This service is completely free and you will probably be surprised at how reasonable it is to upgrade your doors with anti-snap, anti-drill and insurance-approved locks that can defy even the most determined burglar. So whether you’re an existing homeowner, just moving into a new home, renting your property, or perhaps a landlord with new tenants, call 07935 628828 and book your FREE security check today.

7 Tips For Home Security in Summer

It’s no surprise that burglars like to be busy during the summer months. They look out for the tell-tale signs of an empty home and with some people even posting on Facebook about a holiday, while on holiday, sometimes they don’t need to look too hard. Here at Towergate Locksmiths, we’ve put together some common sense but effective tips on deterring any would-be summer burglars. Keep Doors and Windows Locked – If you’re sat in the garden or just nipping to the shops, remember to close your downstairs windows and doors or a burglar may be quick to take advantage. Never Leave a Spare Key Outside – Burglars know most every safe place to hide a key so leaving one ‘hidden’ outside your property is not the best idea. If you’re not there they have all the time they need to search until they do find it and then enter your empty home unchallenged. Hide Valuables – keep valuables out of view from your windows. And if you’re going on holiday hide them away so if a burglar were to gain entry they will struggle to take anything of real value. Don’t Tell Social Media! – If you are going away you absolutely must not advertise your plans or post photos on social media until after you return home. Burglars find this information, can work out your address and your property soon becomes a prime candidate for burglary. Put Post on Hold – The Royal Mail offer a postal holding service where you can have your mail held for up to 3 months. If your post can be seen piling up through your door, doing this will stop that build-up of envelopes and flyers that gives easy indication your home is standing empty. Inform a Neighbour – Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep check on your home. If they also have a key they can turn lights on and off, and open and close curtains, giving the impression your home is occupied. Leave Your Car at Home – If possible, when you go away use public transport or a taxi to get to the airport. Leaving a car in the driveway of your home creates the impression someone is in and automatically deters a burglar. So there we are, 7 straightforward tips that could prove invaluable in keeping your property safe this summer.