Tag Archives: Theft Prevention

Best Types of Door Locks for Security

Best Types of Door Locks for Security - Locksmith Sarasota Florida

A New Age For Door Locks

When was the last time you locked your keys in your home? How about getting halfway to your destination, only to realize that you haven’t locked your door?

Thanks to new technology, these annoyances and uncertainties are a thing of the past. You can enjoy the security and convenience of an electronic door lock at an affordable price point.

Types of Entry Methods

There are a few different types of electronic door locks, including:

  • Keypad
  • Biometric
  • Bluetooth
  • RFID

The earliest locks came with a keypad, which involved entering a pin to gain entry. While these methods are still popular, the newer models use touchscreens and have extra security features.

RFID uses radio frequencies, like a key fob or a card, to achieve entry. The main disadvantage of these is that, like keys, you’ll need the fob on your person to enter your household. This can be difficult when your arms are full of groceries or you lock them inside.

Biometric entries are likely the most sophisticated and use your fingerprint to open the door. It’s similar to the features available on newer cell phones. If you want additional people to have access to your home, simply program them into the system.

Finally, locks enabled with Bluetooth sense your phone and open automatically when you approach. These models often have a backup plan when your phone runs out of battery.

Utilizing New Technology for Locks

The nice thing about newer electronic locks is that they often offer remote entry via an app on your phone, and they can integrate with your other “smart home” features, which adds an extra layer of protection.

For example, you might realize on the beach three hours away that you left your curling iron plugged in and you can’t remember if you turned it off. You can alert your neighbor, unlock the door for them, disable your alarm system, and lock it again once they leave.

The August Smartlock

The August Smartlock consistently ranks highest in consumer publications because of its convenience and efficiency. Its sleek, circular design replaces your single deadbolt and allows you secure entry to your home using your iOS or Android device.

The August Smartlock works through Bluetooth or your wifi connection. The lock features AA backup power, so it will keep working even if your power goes out. Best of all, you can issue virtual keys to others as needed. Log records sent to your app will tell you who enters your home and when.

The Samsung Digital Door Lock

Samsung is a well-established brand in the IoT world. The main advantage of choosing a Samsung door lock is you can expect seamless integration with your other Samsung appliances, from TVs to security sensors.

The Samsung complete smart home system app can provide information about remote entries, visitor logs and more. Even if you use the digital door lock as a standalone product, you can use a passcode to unlock, or even a fingerprint on premium models. The door locks automatically when you leave, which is a convenient perk.

The Kwikset Kevo

Kwikset models often get high marks for the quality-to-cost ratio, and the Kevo is no exception. This is a historical brand in home locks, and they keep the aesthetics of their locks classic while loading them with high-tech features. The Kevo uses both RFID and Bluetooth, which allows users the flexibility of unlocking via the included fob or their smartphone. It’s both iOS and Android compatible.

Give out an unlimited number of guest “eKeys” and monitor all activity over the app. The Kwikset also integrates with the Nest Learning Thermostat, one of the most popular smart devices available.

The Schlage Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt

The Schlage touchscreen deadbolt is a good option for those who want the high-tech convenience of a smart lock, but don’t want to deal with key fobs or controlling anything remotely via an application. Schlage Locks have the highest lock security rating, which gives you valuable peace of mind.

There are several features that give Schlage this designation – for example, an alarm sensor goes off when someone opens the door, and you’ll hear it no matter where you are in your home. The touchscreen is fingerprint resistant, so you won’t have to worry about someone tracking your code and gaining unauthorized entry. You can also set it to lock automatically after you close it.

Schlage products integrate with all Z-Wave Home Automation products to aid in your home-monitoring needs. This makes it a great value, and a smart choice for those who want scalability in their door lock.

Finding the Right Door Lock

The smart lock you choose will be based on your unique needs, budget and security goals. No matter which locks you select, however, you’ll benefit from a professional installation.

For more information about the professional installation of your security door lock, please contact us.

Explore Our Residential Locksmith Services

DIY Home Security Tips & Tricks to Burglar-Proof Your Home

DIY Home Security Tips Tricks To Burglar-Proof Home - Locksmith Sarasota

Halloween is only a few weeks away, and it’s important to take time to safeguard your home before the holiday season is in full swing. Burglaries and home thefts are more prevalent during the holiday season, and preparing ahead of time can minimize the chances of your home becoming a target.

Prevent Your Home from Being a Target for Burglaries

Most burglars take time to “case” homes before striking. “Casing” refers to watching target homes to see what kind of security the homeowners have, what times the house is empty, and other variables. Burglars will look for the least secure homes that offer the greatest chance of success.

What Burglars Tend to Assess on a Home

Burglars Prefer Homes That Are Covered By Foliage - Locksmith SarasotaSome of the things most burglars look for while casing includes:

  • Home security: More often than not, having a home security placard on your lawn, or visible security cameras on your property, is enough to deter most burglars from even bothering with your home. Roughly 90 percent of convicted burglars report they would avoid a home that has an alarm system.
  • Homeowner presence: Vacations and long-term travel are when your home is most vulnerable. Burglars will look for piled-up newspapers and overgrown lawns to indicate which homes have been empty the longest.
  • Cover: Burglars tend to avoid homes with lots of open, visible space around them. They prefer homes surrounded by lots of foliage that can offer cover while moving around the home to allow them to hide from prying neighbors’ eyes.
  • Dogs: A burglar typically will not try to enter a home with a barking dog inside. If you own a dog that stays home while you’re at work, your pet may be a better security asset than you ever realized. Dogs will also alert their owners to intruders who attempt to enter at night.

With these tips in mind, there are a few affordable and effective steps homeowners can take to improve their home security:

Fake It If You Need To

If you don’t own an alarm system or security cameras, you can still trick would-be burglars into thinking you do. Consider placing a fake alarm system placard in front of your home if a real alarm or security system isn’t in your budget. Some burglars will write off your house immediately. This trick probably won’t work on more experienced, tech-savvy burglars, though.

Start Small with Security Devices

You can purchase a simple home security camera system at relatively low cost. Do some research into the most reliable and affordable brands and look for tips on where and how to your cameras. It’s important for your cameras to be somewhat visible, so would-be burglars notice them, but you also need to place them in spots that offer wide fields of view.

Keep the previous tip in mind if a security camera isn’t in your budget. A fake camera may serve as a somewhat reliable alternative to a real one for some houses.

Secure Your Yard

Some thieves won’t bother trying to enter your home and will instead steal items from your yard, porch or garden. If you plan on taking a long trip, bring these items into your garage or another storage area while you’re away. Refrain from leaving gardening tools or items like ladders outside that a burglar could potentially use to gain entry to your home.

Light Timers

You can purchase timers for your outdoor lights, and may even want to consider putting some indoor lights on timers, especially if you plan on taking a long vacation. Light timers will automatically turn your home’s lights on and off at specific times. This can make it appear as though you are home while you’re away, thus making your home less of a target.

Secure Deliveries

Many thieves follow delivery trucks around to look for packages to steal in the weeks leading up to the winter holidays. Millions of people have their packages stolen each year in the U.S.

You can opt for sign-on-delivery security for some packages. For expensive items, it may be best to arrange delivery to your local post office so you can pick them up securely.

Invest in Your Home’s Safety

Consider investing in a more reliable security system this holiday season. Locksmith Sarasota offers a variety of state-of-the-art and affordable home security options, including high-security door locks, alarm systems and much more.

When you inquire about our home security lock services, we’ll review your home’s vulnerabilities and help you choose the right security equipment to protect your home and loved ones, where and when you need it most.

Explore Home Security Solutions

How to Enhance the Security of Your Rental Home

Enhance the Security of Your Rental Home - Locksmith SarasotaRenting out a property can be a great way to supplement your income and start seeing a return on your investment. The decision to become a landlord, however, should not be made without serious consideration. One wrong move could not only impact your rental property, but the rest of your financial portfolio as well.

When it comes to rental home security, ensuring the safety of your property is a major challenge. It’s essential that you explore your options and legal obligations, then prepare accordingly. Thankfully, there are several ways that you can ensure both the physical and financial security of any property you own.

Install Security Doors and Locks

Why Would You Rent Out Your Home Without Doing Research - Locksmith SarasotaPhysical vulnerabilities can quickly be addressed and should be the first priority. Once the word gets out that you’re renting an unoccupied property, it’s only a matter of time before unscrupulous individuals take notice. Strong doors and locks are a basic and necessary part of rental home security.

Key tips:

  • Hollow wooden doors and doors with windows are easy enough for an intruder to overcome. Ideally, entrance doors should be constructed out of metal or solid wood without windows.
  • Using a dual cylinder deadbolt lock prevents a would-be intruder from making a hole in the door or a nearby window and opening the lock from the inside. A dual cylinder lock is designed to require a key turn on both sides of the lock, as opposed to using a latch on the inside.

Install Outdoor Lighting

Thieves and vandals prefer to do their dirty work in the dark. The presence of outside light around your property is a strong deterrent for anyone who might threaten your property.

Key tip:

  • Choose long-lasting lights, such as LED lights, that require minimal maintenance. They should be installed on all sides of the property and activate automatically using a timer, light-activated sensors or motion sensors.

Know the Law

Keeping the rental home safe from physical threats is challenging by itself. Ensuring legal and financial security adds new wrinkles to the problem, but this task is just as vital.

Remember that laws regarding rental property vary greatly from one place to another, and ignorance is not an excuse. If your rental agreement terms and conditions are unenforceable, for example, you may face serious legal and financial consequences.

Key tips:

  • Do your research. If necessary, consult a local attorney who is familiar with the rights and responsibility of a landlord in the area.
  • Whether you are renting your property to long-term tenants or accommodating short-term tenants, it is very important that all of your agreements and terms are in writing. A bit of paperwork will go a long way toward protecting your property if something goes wrong.

Insure Your Rental Property

One of the worst things that can happen as a landlord is that a tenant gets hurt, damages your property or damages your neighbor’s property. Despite your best intentions and precautions, you may still be sued. That’s why liability insurance is an important part of rental home security.

Key tip:

  • Don’t underestimate how much protection you’ll need in terms of liability. The hard number will vary wildly based on your property, location and tenants. You may need more than the standard $1 million limit.

There’s nothing more important than keeping your home and your family safe from harm. Need more tips on protecting your home from intruders? The pros at Locksmith Sarasota are happy to share industry knowledge and top safety strategies with homeowners. Explore our site for more expert advice about locksmith services.

The Top Stolen Vehicles In Florida & How To Protect Your Vehicle From Theft

The Top Stolen Vehicles In Florida & How To Protect Your Vehicle From TheftNo one wants to think about their car being stolen. That’s because your vehicle is more than just a valuable possession, it’s crucial transportation – especially when you have children or face an emergency situation. The unfortunate reality is that vehicle thefts happen quite often. Each year, America sees almost 600,000 automobile thefts.

Top Stolen Vehicles In America

These incidents also involve a variety of machine thefts, including scooters, all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycles. Some are at higher risk of being stolen than others, however. Across the nation, the vehicles most often stolen are:

  • Honda Accord
  • Honda Civic
  • Ford Truck
  • Chevrolet Truck
  • Toyota Camry
  • Dodge Truck
  • Dodge Caravan
  • Nissan Altima
  • Acura Integra
  • Nissan Maxima

Top Stolen Vehicles In Florida

But here in Florida, things are a bit different. While many of the contenders are the same, there are a few noticeable differences. Vehicles most often that have been stolen in the Sunshine State are:

  • Ford Truck
  • Honda Civic
  • Honda Accord
  • Toyota Camry
  • Nissan Altima
  • Toyota Corolla
  • Chevrolet Truck
  • Nissan Maxima
  • Chevrolet Impala
  • Dodge Truck

Are you surprised by the findings? Many people don’t think vehicles such as the Honda Accord or Camry would be targeted. What’s more concerning is that the Ford F-Series is the most frequently stolen, but also the most popular truck in the nation with more than 750,000 sales annually.

So how can you protect your property?

Tips For Protecting Your Vehicle From Theft

There are plenty of ways to help keep your ride safe, and many of them are easy to integrate into your routine. For example, you should always be mindful of where you leave your keys. You can also park in safer, cleaner areas whenever possible. But this is just the beginning. If you want maximum automobile security, you should:

  • Keep your vehicle in a garage – Thieves target vehicles on the street. They’re easy to find, approach, and ultimately take. If you have a garage, you should use it when possible. If you do not have a garage, building one could be a worthy investment.
  • Maintain the vehicle – Believe it or not, the better care you take of your ride, the less likely it is to be targeted. Thieves know you probably have an alarm if you value your ride. Keep your car clean and cared for, and it will deter criminals on its own.
  • Place an alarm sticker on the window – LED lights work, too. Thieves want vehicles that are easy to swipe, and any sign of an alarm will help turn them away. Even if there is no alarm system, the chance that there could be will make them think twice.
  • Remove your valuables – Criminals are tempted to break into your car if they see something worth stealing. You should always put away mobile devices, navigation systems, purses, and so forth. Even if you leave them in the vehicle, place them somewhere out of sight of passersby.
  • Use a steering club – Installing one of these gives thieves serious pause, even though they’re not extremely effective. It works the same way as the stickers and lights by presenting the impression of a challenge.
  • Lock the doors – It sounds simple, but it’s effective. Many people think locking the doors doesn’t matter since a criminal will break the window to access your car. The truth, however, is that thieves will target cars and trucks that can be easily accessed. Most thieves simply target the first unlocked vehicle they come upon.
  • Use a hidden kill switch – This is far more expensive, but it could be well worth the cost and effort. Once installed, your car won’t run until a secret switch is flipped. The switch can be placed just about anywhere. Most thieves will simply move on instead of trying to figure out how to get the car started.
  • Take the steering wheel –  Again, this is a more in-depth solution, but it works. Criminals are more likely to pass by your automobile if it doesn’t have a steering wheel.
  • Buy a standard shift – Many people can’t drive manual vehicles so these cars are often bypassed by would-be thieves.

When it comes to keeping your vehicle safe, common sense and due diligence go a long way.

A Brief History Of Lock Picking

A Brief History Of Lock PickingThe lock got its start at the dawn of civilization, with early renditions simply using rope. No historian is truly sure who developed the first mechanical lock. Many believe the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians created them separately from each other. More than 6,000 years ago in Egypt, a locksmith managed to create a pin tumbler lock made completely out of wood. The first locks were not very secure, and “perfect security” — the term that security experts use to describe complete safety from intruders — was unattainable. That is, until an inventor named Joseph Bramah came along in the 1770s.

The “Perfect” Lock

A History Of Lock Picking - From Ancient Egypt To TodayIn the 1770s, Bramah arrived to the locksmithing scene in England as a polymath engineer. He created a lock that was far better than any other at that point in history: the Bramah safety lock. His lock had complex layers between the key and the lock’s deadbolt. He believed he’d created the perfect lock. Bramah was so confident in his lock that he even created a contest, offering 200 guineas (about $30,000 today) to anyone who could pick the lock. The British government took interest when the lock proved unbeatable.

The government wanted a perfect lock that would alert the owner if someone tried to open it. Thus, the Chubb detector lock came about, invented by locksmith Jeremiah Chubb. The lock would seize if a lockpicker tried to lift a tumbler too high, so that even the key wouldn’t work. The owner would know that someone tried to open the lock because he or she would have to use a separate key to reset the tumblers. From the 1770s until 1851, civilization enjoyed what is perhaps the only period of “perfect security” in history.

The Lock Controversy Of 1851

An American locksmith named A.C. Hobbs made a living selling his own locks. He generated a great deal of business by showing bank managers how easily he could pick their locks. During London’s Great Exhibition in 1851, Hobbs decided to end the era of perfect security by picking Chubb’s lock. It took him about 25 minutes to successfully get the lock open. Then, he moved on to pick the Bramah lock, which took him about 52 hours total. The feeling of perfect security evaporated.

What Security Looks Like Today

After the downfall of Bramah’s unbeatable lock, locksmiths created with their own renditions. Linus Yale, Jr. mass-produced his pin-and-tumbler locks until it became the world’s most commonly used lock. Yale locks still are available today, and his design likely is the same kind of lock on your doors. Pin-and-tumbler locks are relatively easy to pick if you know what you’re doing have the right tools. Today’s security depends on other more impressive technologies, such as electronic security systems and innovative technological locks.

Modern “lock picking” often involves a crowbar through the window or a breach of a high-tech security system. To protect your home, trust the professional locksmiths and security experts at Locksmith Sarasota.

 

5 Reasons You Need An Office Security System

If you are operating your business out of an office building, you have most likely thought about ways to keep your premises safe and secure. A security system is just as essential to running your business as selecting the right office equipment and furniture, and recruiting the right team members. Without it, you are opening the door to safety issues, vandalism, and break-ins.

5 Reasons You Need An Office Security System

5 Reasons Your Office Needs A Security System

Discover five important reasons why your business needs an office security system.

1. You Will Save On Insurance Costs

Your insurance company will likely quote you a lower cost on your premium rates if you have a security system installed on your property. Adding this feature equates to lowering the likelihood of becoming a crime statistic, which means you can qualify for better insurance policy pricing.

2. It’s Economical

A security system is a more economical choice than hiring a security guard or two to protect your business since it can monitor the entire building at once and run on a 24/7 basis.

3. It Is A Deterrent To Would-Be Thieves

Anyone who is thinking of breaking into your office will likely want to get in and get out with as little fuss as possible. If you have a visible security system in place, you may make a burglar think twice before targeting your business and building.

4. Your Employees Will Feel More Comfortable On The Premises

Do you ever have employees working in the early morning or late evening or even coming in when the office is typically closed? Having a security system in place means your employees will feel more secure when they are working outside of usual business hours, which can protect both you and them.

5. It Gives You Peace Of Mind

Running a business has enough stress of its own. You don’t need the additional worry about security. Installing a security system helps give you peace of mind in so many areas.

Isn’t it time that you installed a security system?

Commercial Security System Sarasota

Commercial Security System Experts

Locksmith Sarasota is the experts on commercial security and surveillance systems as well as residential, high-security commercial door locks, re-keying, lock repair and much more.

For information about business security options or to get a quote for a new security system in Sarasota, contact us today!

Business Security Tips To Keep Your Office Safe

Business Security Tips To Keep Your Office Safe-LocksmithSarasotaYou may not immediately think that your office would be a likely target for burglars, but that’s not necessarily the case. Most people think of shopping centers, pharmacies, banks or upscale private homes as being higher-risk targets.

However, criminals know that these potential sources of money or property are likely to have high-tech security in place, whereas small businesses are less likely to have invested in these systems. Burglars and thieves are looking to make a quick “in and out” type of office invasion.

Basic Office Building Security

If you are interested in office security you will need to consider whether you have people and property in need of protection after dark, or if you just simply need to keep the building and its contents secure.

If you have employees who will be working late, you will need to look at hiring security personnel who will be present until the last one is safely on their way home.

For building security, you can install video surveillance cameras as a crime-fighting measure.

Inexpensive Building Security System Tips For Small Businesses

  • An Unmonitored Alarm System – Sets off an alarm inside and outside when triggered. This would most likely scare off an intruder before a lot of damage could be done to the property. It is an economical choice, since no monitoring fees would be incurred.
  • A Monitored System – Will contact a call center if the alarm is triggered; the call center will alert the police. The vulnerability in this system is that it relies on the phone lines being intact, and a skilled burglar may cut them before gaining access to the building. The burglar can still damage or remove items before police arrive.
  • A Wireless System – Is relatively inexpensive and is a good choice to start with. You can buy one at a hardware store and install it yourself. It includes cameras, sensors and motion detectors. You can also find one that has an alarm and flashing lights.
  • An Exterior System With A Motion Detector – Triggers a light to come on and a loud alarm when someone approaches a door or window. This may be enough to startle someone who may be intent on trying to enter the building illegally or cause damage to the outside.

Choose What Is Best For Your Business

Before you make a decision about the best way to keep your office safe, take some time to consider your options carefully.

  • Talk to professionals who service commercial clients and ask for their recommendations.
  • Contact the local police to ask about average response time for monitored systems.
  • Conduct your own research about different types of alarm systems online. The Internet has a wealth of information to help you find the right one.

Security Experts For Commercial Properties

If you need help upgrading the security of your office building, call the experts at Locksmith Sarasota today!

Call Us Now – 941-281-4100

Be Sure To Check Out Our Top Home Security Tips For Recommendations On How To Keep Your Home Safe!

Top Home Security Tips

Everyone wants to feel safe in their own home, whether they are renting or own the property. When customers are asking about how they can help to protect their home, its contents and the people they care about most when we do our assessments for home security installation in Sarasota, we find that we end up offering the same suggestions time and again. We’ve compiled a list of our top home security tips to keep your home and property safe.

Top Home Security Tips-Residential Locksmith In Sarasota

Top Home Security Tips From A Professional Sarasota Locksmith

Doors

  • Make sure all of your exterior doors are equipped with a properly installed deadbolt.
  • Place a dowel in any glass sliding doors to prevent opening. You can buy “Charlie bars” for this purpose.
  • Consider replacing screen doors with aluminum or steel security doors instead.
  • Install a peep-hole viewer so that you can identify visitors before opening the door.

Windows

  • Keep curtains and blinds closed when not necessary. This strategy will prevent outsiders from observing the goings-on in your home.
  • Replace damaged screens or when they start to fall out of the window frame.
  • Limit access to your windows by keeping items that can be used to gain entry to your home locked up, such as maintenance ladders, chairs and tools.

Keys And Control Of Keys

  • Never leave your house keys unattended. I.e. don’t have them on the key chain when you have work done on your vehicle.
  • Consider keying all doors in your home the same, with the exception of one that is used by your housekeeper, babysitter, cleaner, or anyone else you need to give access to your home. If you decide not to work with this person anymore, you only need to pay to have one lock rekeyed.

Outside Your Home

  • Make sure you have plenty of lighting around the perimeter of your property.
  • Trim back bushes and trees so that potential burglars or predators do not have places to hide near entrances.
  • Cut up boxes from any major purchases instead of placing them at the curb. You don’t want to advertise the fact that you have just bought a new big-screen TV!

Additional Security Tips For Your Home

  • Consider installing a locking mail box to prevent mail theft. Arrange for direct deposit of regular payments instead checks, if possible.
  • Keep all of your personal papers and any firearms in your home in a secure lockbox.
  • Review your insurance coverage at least once a year to ensure that you have adequate coverage. Ask whether your insurer will give you a discount if you install an alarm system and get a list of approved vendors – then get the alarm installed.

Residential Locksmith Services In Sarasota

Locksmith Sarasota offers multiple, professional residential locksmith services including home re-keying, emergency home lock-outs and home security installation. Our experience, professionalism and care will ensure that you feel safe in your home.

Call Now To See What We Can Do For You!

Why Today’s Car Security Systems Aren’t Very Effective At Theft Prevention

There’s no question that car security systems have become more sophisticated over the years. As technology has become more advanced, would-be thieves have also adapted and become more clever at finding ways to dismantle, disable, or simply get around the anti-theft devices that we use or install on our vehicles.

While there is no way to completely eliminate car theft, we can be vigilant about our vehicle protection and get smart about safety, including consulting with an emergency Sarasota locksmith for advice.

Emergency Sarasota Locksmith-Theft Prevention

Car Security Systems And Theft Prevention

Factory Installed Car Alarms

These theft prevention devices are common on most newer vehicles. The problem with them is that they no longer really act as a deterrent to car thieves. Once the theft is in progress, a thief who has a bit of experience will find them very easy to disable.

Tracking Systems

Tracking systems use a GPS transmitter to track the vehicle and cellular technology to communicate with the monitoring center. Radio technology is typically used to recover stolen vehicles. These systems are very effective, but have limitations.

OnStar, one of the best-known brands, is not available to all vehicle owners. It is only offered to GM customers. The first year is free; however, subscribers have to pay approximately $200 per year for the basic plan for subsequent years to continue the service.

LoJack is available as an alternative, but only in 26 states. It costs about $700.00 to install and is about 90 percent effective at recovering stolen vehicles. Unless you are looking to protect a higher-end vehicle, this is probably not the best choice for you.

Immobilizing Devices

This type of anti-theft device is often offered as standard in higher-end vehicles. Smart keys can prevent thieves from starting your car if they don’t have the correct key and can prevent hot wiring. They don’t however prevent crafty thieves from hitching your car up to a tow truck and simply towing it away, stripping it for parts or breaking in and stealing your possessions.

Consult A Sarasota Locksmith About Car Security

Car security is just as important as home security. At Locksmith Sarasota, we understand that our customers want to feel safe and protect their property.

Call Us Now To Learn About Affordable, Personalized Solutions
For Your Anti-Theft Needs!