Jeremy Cassady, Managing Director of Securikey, examines why it is important for homeowners to take precautions to secure their valuables, particularly during the holiday season, and looks at how locksmiths can suggest a ‘one key solution’ for the desired convenience that will persuade homeowners to invest in additional low cost, physical security products that will deter and prevent would-be thieves.
From Heatwave to Crimewave
The unpredictability of the sun’s appearance during the British summer months and the increase in budget airlines means that many families decide to fly abroad for their holidays in search of guaranteed ‘beach holiday’ weather. However, the relaxation of spending a week in the sun can be quickly counteracted if the holiday maker returns to find their house has been broken into and irreplaceable valuables stolen.
Somewhat alarmingly, it is not just unoccupied houses that are at risk during the summer months either. When the sun shines, windows are flung open to invite a cooling breeze but, unfortunately, this also provides access to unwelcome visitors like thieves. As a result, the number of sneak-in burglaries traditionally sees a rise during the summer.
As tenants and homeowners are more vulnerable during the holiday season, locksmiths face one of the busiest seasons of the year. However, this increase in workload also presents more opportunities for locksmiths to share useful advice with the homeowners and tenants they visit. In addition to ensuring their customers do not lose their most valuable items, having the knowledge to advise on the most suitable security solutions for the home is an effective way of expanding business opportunities.
When advising a customer, locksmiths need to remember that although security is of paramount importance, any system should also be convenient enough for the homeowner to carry out security procedures on a regular basis with little or no effort, as well as being low cost to meet a variety of budgets. In order to meet these requirements, leading physical security suppliers have developed a ‘one key solution’ that shows how a comprehensive home security system does not have to be expensive or overcomplicated.
One Key, No Fuss
A ‘master key’ solution offered by leading physical security suppliers like Securikey makes safekeeping valuables an easy and straightforward process. This solution means customers can open more than one lock using the same key, making it easy to access, for instance, the front and back doors without the hassle of carrying extra keys around. Leading suppliers such as Securikey expand the possibilities and allow homeowners to open a variety of security devices with the same key. This is possible due to the Euro Profile Cylinder, which can be installed in various security products including cash safes, high security post boxes, emergency key holding boxes and key cabinet ranges, solving the issue of numerous individual keys potentially being lost whilst providing the owner with easy, convenient access to their valuables.
Safeguarding Cash and Jewelry
Cash safes are available that are specially designed for home use in terms of size and cost, whilst still being manufactured to the same build quality as those designed for the commercial market. Customers should always look for products that are badged to show they have been independently tested as testament to their durability. The Euro Vault by Securikey, for instance, can offer increased security for valuables in the home such as jewellery, passports, electronics and cash while offering ease of access for the owner when part of the one key solution. Manufactured with a 2mm body and 20mm hardened steel locking bolts, valuables are kept safe from prying hands.
Another security solution that can be easily integrated with the Euro Profile Cylinder is the high security post box, which prevent thieves accessing private mail that could enable them to commit identity theft. Suitable for mounting to any flat surface, the tough structure of high security post boxes protects from unauthorised access, whilst offering easy access to the postbox owner when needed.
If other devices are desired by the homeowner, such as strongboxes and under-floorboard safes, leading suppliers of security hardware can offer robust, high quality options that are all capable of incorporating the Euro Profile Cylinder for a convenient ‘one key’ solution.
Easily Fitted, Not Easily Replicated
This effective ‘master key’ system also minimises the risk of key duplication. When moving into a new home, homeowners and tenants can face the risk of strangers accessing their house via key copies as conventional keys are easy to duplicate.
With the one key solution, a robust, high quality lock is delivered in every instance, as the Euro Profile Cylinder Lock is manufactured to extremely high standards and can only be duplicated by approved dealers, offering a high security solution in a product that is also straightforward to install in the hands of a professional locksmith.
Building Customer Trust
In addition to recommending low cost, high quality products that deliver enhanced security, there are other burglary-prevention measures locksmiths can advise their customers to take. This advice will also help them build trust and a longstanding relationship with their customers. Good common-sense tips include:
- Mark or etch property with the postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of the house name. Burglars get discouraged if the house is easily identified by the police.
- Do not leave car keys or ID documents near doors, letterbox or windows.
- Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.
- Always check who’s at the door and don’t open it if you feel anxious
- Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.
- Don’t leave notes for service people or family members on the door. These act as a welcome mat for a burglar.
Often people are not aware of security flaws in their homes, and they will appreciate the advice a professional locksmith can share.
A one key security system is a win-win solution, offering a secure and convenient solution for the customer that won’t break the bank, and an easy installation process for the locksmith that could even lead to additional business opportunities – particularly in the higher risk, summer months.
Editor’s Note:
Securikey is a leading UK supplier of safety and security products, with a pedigree dating back nearly 40 years, and has recently launched the Modulprim range of exceptionally high quality, made to order modular vault solutions. Offering a solution for practically any requirement, from minimal security applications to highly demanding specifications, the comprehensive range of Securikey products also encompasses cash safes, fire safes, key control systems, padlocks, personal security items, convex mirrors and digital door locks. For more information, please contact Securikey on 01252 311888 or enquiries@securikey.co.uk or go to securikey.co.uk
