Posted June 23rd, 2011 | No Comments
Keeping control of the keys in any organisation can be the biggest threat to breaching security!
Large or small, organsiations with multiple key holders run a serious risk of loosing control of who has keys and how many are in circulation, unless their system uses ‘Restricted Keys’ and a register of keys issued is maintained.
Restricted keys are keys cut on a unique ‘profile’, or shape of key, available only to specified suppliers and issued only on the express authority of the suite owner. This ensures that duplicate keys are not obtained illicetly, either for unauthorised, illegal activity or simply for the convenience of occasional users.
Even in the home, restricted keys improve the security of premises by ensuring that temporary key holders, decorators, builders or cleaners for instance are unable to obtain copies of those keys and giving peace of mind to the owner that as long as keys are reurned after use, their home will not be susseptible to unlawful access after the event.
“I never realised just how many people had keys to my home until I sat down and thought about it!”
In commercial environments where a number of employees are official key holders, whether for an external gate to a vehicle compond for instance or for access to an entire building, if the key system used is not restricted then anyone may obtain copy keys, either to be passed on for illegal purposes or retained after that person no longer works for that organisation, either way control of security in that organisation has been compromised.
Voluntary organisations are repeat offenders when it comes to ‘irresponsible control’ of security. Churches, youth organisations, schools, etc. where multiple key holders may be authorized to provide acccess to various people out of hours often sacrifice secuirity for the sake of convenience but if something untoward were to happen, i.e. a breach of security and property was damaged or stolen, then the finger of suspicion may be pointed to unsuspecting, innocent people if it is known that they allowd or encouraged the unauthorized copying of keys, often causing further internal distrust and ill will.
“A little consideration before an incident occurs can often prevent a lot of unnecessary trouble!”
The use of restricted keys in all these situation, removes the occurence of break-ins, unauthorised entry and theft by people who would not under normal circumstances have been trusted with the security of the building.
Restricted keys are readily available from reputable locksmiths and often at little more expense than non restricted systems.
“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when considering your security needs. You can be assured that our trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of mind.”
Contact Authorized Access by e-mail or phone 0161 762 9936 for further information and a quotation.
Tags: High security locks, Home security, Home Security advice, home security products, Key Control, Key Cutting, Premises security, registered keys, Restricted Key Cylinder locks, Restricted keys, School security, security in schools, security solutions | Posted in Security Advice |
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Posted May 11th, 2011 | No Comments
Having been in business for over 20 years and a qualified Master Locksmith I am regularly asked why I always recommend the use of restricted keys when supplying locks to both Commercial and Domestic customers, in a wide variety of situations.
I, on the other hand am constantly amazed by people who leave themselves wide open to burglary by someone who has had access to a set of keys, eirther at home or at work and have had the opportunity to have those keys copied.
Most businesses and homes are locked by keys which can be readily copied at any convenient locksmith shop or heel bar, where the operators of those businesses are not obliged even to ask for proof of identity, never mind actual ownership of or right to access before making the copy.
Most people don’t consider the consequences of lending out a key; how many times have you left a key to your home with a neighbour while you you are away on holiday, or a cleaner, decorator or workman doing work while you are out? How many employees are key holders to their places of work, either officially or just for convenience?
In all the instances above, if the keys in question were not restricted then it’s possible they could have been copied, again for reasons of convenience or for purposes less than honest! It may not have been the person who you thought was in control of the keys that made the copies but someone else.
The fact is YOU DON”T KNOW!!
Restricted keys are available for most applications where locks are used to secure premisses, for use on wooden doors, uPVC doors, composite doors, aluminium shop door and padlocks for all kinds of use and can cost little more than locks that utilise unrestricted keys.
Some locks are extremely robust and provide adequate deterent against forced entry when ‘brute force’ is used but offer little deterence when locked by an Un-Restricted Key which can be copied without the owners consent or knowledge and used to simply unlock the door, often invalidating any insurance cover the owner may have because it becomes hard to prove that the ‘Minimum Insurance Requirement’ was met as there will be no sign of forced entry!
Typical applications where Restricted Keys enhance the security already in place:
- At home, if you ever allow other people to hold keys on your behalf (ANYONE!)
- At work, if you own a business and members of your staff hold keys.
- Churches/Schools/Youth Clubs/Sports Clubs or any situation where there are multiple key-holders.
- Landlords who let properties, commercial or domestic.
- Any situation where you might want to retain control of who has a key to your premises.
Retaining control of the keys and consequently the access to your property, whether at home or at work should be at the top of your list when considering security, it is fundamental and much easier than you might think!
Contact any Master Locksmith’s Approved Company for advice and remember advice should cost NOTHING!
“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when considering your security needs. You can be assured that our trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of mind.”
You can contact Authorized Access by e-mail or phone 0161 762 9936 for further information and a quotation.
Tags: Authorized Access, Business security, Crime prevention, High security locks, Home security, Key Control, Minimum Insurance Requirement, Multiple key holders, Restricted keys, security in schools, Security keys, Security Locks, security solutions | Posted in Security Advice |
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Posted April 8th, 2011 | No Comments
You may have fitted secure locks on your doors and windows to comply with the minimum insurance requirements but some windows may still act like unlocked doors to a burglar!
Many homes have double glazed windows where the glass is secured by the beading on the outside. This can easily be removed and is one of the most commen ways that burglars get in. Taking out the glass is quick and makes no noise.
“Market research shows that about 6 million homes in the UK are vulnerable but the fact is that most home owners are unaware taht there is a problem”
Only those to whom it has happened really realise how simple and easy it is for a burglar to gain access!
Manufactureres addressed this problem by providing double sided tape which bonds the glass to the frame but this relies on the window fitters using the tape properly, which in many cases can cause them problems when installing, causing some not to use it at all or apply detergent or silicone to the glass which adversly affect the effectiveness of the tape.
“The fact is there are many reasons why the tape may become ineffective, leaving windows vulnerable to burglars”
Authorized Access recommends the use of
NO GO GLASS LOCKS
Lock the glass into the frame so that the glass cannot be removed without smashing.
“NO GO GLASS LOCKS are designed to be easily fitted to existing windows and are a very cost effective way to make a property even more secure”
Contact Authorized Access by e-mail or phone 0161 762 9936 for further information and a quotation to secure your home.
“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when considering your security needs. You can be assured that our trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of mind.”
Tags: best home security, Crime prevention, Double glazed window security, Home security, home security products, No-Go Glass locks, upvc window security, window locks for double glazed windows, Window Security | Posted in Security Advice |
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Posted March 4th, 2011 | No Comments
Securing your home or business against criminals is vital and need not be expensive or time consuming.
Most home owners would not consider restricted key systems when choosing locks for their home simply because they are NOT AWARE they are available, it is often considered a security solution only for businesses. Restricted keys enhance the security provided by any lock and without them, even ‘high security’ locks can be compromised by the keys being copied at random with little or no control.
At Authorized Access we will fit a security lock to your door then register its keys to YOU; this stops duplicate keys being cut without your knowledge, giving you total control of the keys to your home or business.
Restricted keys allow you to give a cleaner or other tradesman the key to your home and as long as you get it back, you know they will have been unable to obtain copies. At work, staff issued with keys to premises are unable to have extra keys cut without your express permission, again GIVING YOU TOTAL CONTROL over who has access to your premises.
Where would this be useful?
- Business premises with multiple key holders.
- Keep control and know which members of staff have keys
- At home where keys are made available to cleaners, neighbours, tradesmen etc.
- As long as you get the keys back you know nobody has been able to get copies made
- Churches, Schools, Clubs and Sports Clubs with multiple key holders.
- Nobody who is unauthorized will be able to get keys copied
- Any situation where key control is required.
- Stay in control of your security
IN BUSINESS
Looking after property, stock and the people who work within the business makes great business sense. It is vital that you make sure that the security measures taken are appropriate, realistic and cost effective. You need to keep criminals out while allowing your customers, suppliers and employees in.
Your business activity will guide your approach to security. In simple terms, high value products will attract more criminal activity and demand a higher level of security, however even those items with a perceived low cost value will be attractive to somebody. Taking a logical approach to securing your business will help ensure you don’t miss anything that might help deter crime. “In the current climate, the effect of interruption to business is greater than ever before.
By changing the locks and installing a RESTRICTED KEY SYSTEM you guarantee that you are in total control of who has keys and therefore access, to your property. Taking these simple steps now may save you from considerable heartache and upset later and costs little more than other non restricted options.
“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when considering restricted keys as a means of securing your property, where you can be assured that trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of mind.”
For assistance contact AUTHORIZED ACCESS or call 0161 762 9936, where our fully trained staff will guide you through the process.
Tags: Business security, High security locks, Home security, Home Security advice, Locks, Locksmiths Bury, Master Locksmiths Bury, Restricted keys, security, Security keys, security solutions | Posted in Security Advice |
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Posted February 17th, 2011 | No Comments
When you chose a Locksmith to carry out work at your home or work premisses, in effect you could be giving them the key to your life!
Sound dramatic? Maybe but who would you trust with your life?
Anyone changing locks or fitting security to your premises literally holds the key to your home and your life.
Over the last 22 years I have owned and operated Authorized Access Security Centre in Bury and for a large percentage of that time been recognised as a Master Locksmith’s Association ‘Approved Company’ and in more recent years a fully qualified Master Locksmith. My reason for choosing this route was from the word go to position myself and my company as a ‘trusted and reliable specialist’ in the field of security, forging relationships with local businesses and officials to add credibility to my business proposition.
However, just being a ‘great chap’ is not enough to set you apart in business, you also have to do a good job and deliver EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE. Then you begin to forge a reputation for reliability, honesty and trustworthiness, a reputation worthy of being recognised as a Master of your trade.
Everyone has to start somewhere and I’m not suggesting that new start-up businesses, whether locksmiths or other trades are anything less than honest and reliable but when you are dealing with something so sensitive as you families or your employees security then you really should do your homework!
All Master Locksmith’s Approved(MLA) companies are regularly audited for compliance with the MLA Code Of Conduct. They are subject to stringent checks and measures, appropriate to confirm their suitability to carry out this sensitive role. Can be struck off the register if found to be in contravention of the code of conduct.
So how would you choose the right Locksmith?
- Where possible always use a Master Locksmith’s Approved Company.
- Check their credentials. Do you know anyone who has used them before?
- Do they have a static base, i.e. a shop/workshop premises with a land line telephone number – be wary of any business operating purely from a mobile phone!
- How long have they been in business?
- Have they carried out similar work in the area?
- Do they have verifiable, positive testimonials from previously satisfied customers?
- Are they a member of any local organisations such as ‘thebestof’ in their town?
- Are they known by the Crime Reduction Officers at the local police station?
- Ask them to recommend an appropriate high security option for your locks, i.e. Restricted key locking systems, anti snap or anti bump cylinders. Don’t be fobbed off with stories that they are not available for domestic premises.
- Ask for a written quotation for the work being carried out, specifying the products intended to be used.
Authorized Access Ltd is a Master Locksmith’s Approved Company and has recently been voted ‘The Most Loved Security Company in the UK’ during the National 14 Days Of Love Campaign, voted for by Bury people through thebestof bury.
For more information, or for general advice on security related matters, please do not hesitate to contact Lee on 0161 762 9936 or at info@authorized-access.co.uk.
Tags: bestof bury, choose a locksmith, choosing a locksmith, Home security, Locksmith Bury, make your home safe, Master Locksmith Bury, Most Loved | Posted in Security Advice |
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Posted February 8th, 2011 | No Comments
Last year during The 14 Days Of Love campaign, with thebestof bury, Authorized Access Locksmiths in Bury were voted the 3rd most loved locksmith in the UK. This title achieved through previously satisfied customers of Authorized Access taking the time to submit a positive testimonial to the quality of work and service given by the company.
Once again this year we are on track to be recognised as one of Bury’s ‘most loved’ companies and the UK’s most loved security companies. To anyone who has already left testimonial for Authorized Access at thebestof bury website, we thank you most sincerely and if anyone would still like to leave a testimonial during the 14 Days Of Love, leading up to Valentines Day 14 February 2011 then please recommend Authorized Access here!
Anyone leaving a testimonial during this period will be entered into a prize draw each day of the remaining 14 Days Of Love and could win anything from an Apple IPad, Hot Air Balloon Ride and Meal for 2 at a Michelin Star Restaurant to Flowers for a year! But you have to be in it to win it!!
In our 22nd year of business in Bury, at Authorized Access we aim to improve our customers and clients quality of life by providing appropriate and affordable security solutions, bringing peace of mind and a secure life style.
If you are unsure whether your home or business is adequately secured, then contact us at Authorized Access and we will carry out a security survey at no cost and with no obligation, so you can rest assured you have done all you possibly can to safeguard your family or employees.
In the current economic climate don’t let the fear of crime stop you enjoying life!
Call Lee on 0161 762 9936 for help or advice on any security related matter.
Tags: 14 Days Of Love, about local businesses, Authorized Access, bestofbury, Bury, Business Success, Home security, Key Cutting, Locksmith, Locksmiths, Master Locksmith, the best of bury | Posted in Authorized Access News! |
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Posted May 6th, 2010 | 1 Comment
It’s decision time!
You now have the chance to decide your future, to choose which path to pursue – that of apathy or that of responsibility.
It’s time to vote. And I strongly recommend that you vote… For yourself.
Whichever politician gets in today, their focus is not yours or your families individual security but that of Britain as a collective although they’re all set on convincing you of how important they are to you and your life.
The truth is, our goal as responsible people, spouses, parents and business people is to make politicians irrelevant to the security of our lives.
I think elections are fascinating but I’m under no illusion that the ‘right’ choice will make a huge difference to my future or yours. Their decisions will certainly influence you and your family’s future but only within the context of UK PLC.
Yours and your families personal security is in your hands, take the time to have your security at home and work checked by a professional. AUTHORIZED ACCESS is a Master Locksmith’s Approved Company who offer a FREE of charge, NO OBLIGATION security survey to ensure that your security complies with the Minimum Security Requirement on your insurance policy.
We have the knowledge and are able to help, but only if you invite us to and sometimes that’s the hardest step. Give yourself peace of mind and contact AUTHORIZED ACCESS today to arrange your FREE of charge SECURITY AUDIT.
Security is a selfish thing, it doesn’t stop crime but it moves the criminal down the street to the next weakest link. Give yourself peace of mind, don’t be the weakest link.
“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when securing your property, where you can be assured that trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of mind.”
For assistance contact AUTHORIZED ACCESS or call 0161 762 9936, where our fully trained staff will guide you through the process.
Tags: Home security, Locks, Locksmiths, Master Locksmith's Association approved Company, Minimum Insurance Requirement, Security Audit, Security Survey | Posted in Authorized Access News!, Security Advice |
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Posted April 22nd, 2010 | No Comments
Securing your home or business against crime need not be an expensive or time consuming exercise.
Restricted key systems are available for home use as well as business. Restricted keys enhance the security provided by any lock and without them, even ‘high security’ locks can be compromised by the keys being copied at random with little or no control.
At Authorized Access we can fit a security lock to your door then register its keys to you; this stops duplicate keys being cut without your knowledge or say so and provides you with total control of the keys to your home or business.
Restricted keys allow you to provide a tradesperson the key to your home and as long as you get it back, you know they will have been unable to obtain copies. At work, staff issued with keys to premises are unable to have extra keys cut without your express permission, again giving you total control over who has access to your premises.
Where would this be useful?
- Business premises with multiple key holders.
- At home where keys are made available to cleaners, tradesmen etc.
- Any situation where key control is required.
Looking after property, stock and the people who work within the business makes great business sense. Being responsible for the security in your business, it is vital that you make sure that the security measures taken are appropriate, realistic and cost effective. You need to keep criminals out while allowing your customers, suppliers and employees in.
Your business activity will guide your approach to security. In simple terms, high value products will attract more criminal activity and demand a higher level of security, however even those items with a perceived low cost value will be attractive to somebody. Taking a logical approach to securing your business will help ensure you don’t miss anything that might help deter crime. “In the current climate, the effect of interruption to business is greater than ever before.
By changing the locks you can guarantee that you are in total control of who has keys to your property
Choosing a Lock- Things to consider:
- Insurance requirements-Does your lock need to conform to British standards for insurance purposes BS3621
- One Key House/Business – Would I like all my locks to be operated by one key? This avoids having bulky key rings, never loose the back door key again!
- Master Keying of locks- makes great business sense. Only give access to areas of your business to people that need to be there.
- Speciality Locks- Do I need locks for a special purpose eg escape function.
- High Security Locks- Do I need locks with enhanced security features eg Restricted keys, having control of who can copy your keys, locks with anti pick and anti bump features.
“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when considering restricted keys as a means of securing your property, where you can be assured that trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of mind.”
For assistance contact http://www.authorized-access.co.uk/contact-us or call 0161 762 9936, where our fully trained staff will guide you through the process.
Tags: High security locks, Home security, Master Keys, Master Locksmith, Restricted keys, Security keys, Security Locks | Posted in Security Advice |
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Posted February 16th, 2010 | No Comments
“Are you satisfied that if you suffered a burglary at home or work, that you had done as much as possible to prevent it and protect everyone?”
- Did you change your locks when you moved into your house/business?
YES/NO
- Can you be sure that no one has ever had access to your keys and may have been able to copy them? Neighbour, tradesman, cleaner etc?
YES/NO
- To have your keys copied would you need to give your express permission to the person cutting the keys?
YES/NO
- Are you certain that all the locks on your external doors conform to British Standards?
YES/NO
- Do all your downstairs or accessible windows have key operated locks and do you lock them and remove the key?
YES/NO
- If you were burgled are you 100% confident that you would have taken all the necessary steps to make sure your insurance company would pay out?
YES/NO
If you answered NO to any of the above then you MUST take advantage of our NO COST home or business security audit where we can offer no nonsense advice to ensure you comply with the minimum insurance requirements.
“Remember – Always use a Master Locksmiths Association ‘Approved Company’ when considering your home security needs.You can be assured that our trained staff will provide a quality service with integrity to give you total peace of mind.”
For assistance in selecting the ideal solution for your needs, contact AUTHORIZED ACCESS where our fully trained staff will guide you through the selection process.
Tags: best home security, Home security, home security products, Home Security questions, House security, Minimum Insurance Requirement, Premises security, security, Security check, security requirement, Security Survey | Posted in Security Advice |
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Posted December 21st, 2009 | No Comments
Authorized Access will be closed for Christmas from 12.30pm Christmas Eve until Monday 4 January 2010
May we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
New Year Security Tips
With the hustle and bustle of Christmas behind us, what a great feeling, we are finally able to take some time to relax and enjoy those new and exciting presents. Golf clubs, lap top, games console, gold bracelet, mobile phone, all with no expense spared.
I wonder what the thief is thinking! His Christmas has come and gone and now he knows for a fact that virtually every home holds rich pickings for him.
Are you simply going to sit back and allow him to take what he wants, thinking he too should have what you have?
There are ways of protecting those things your hard earned money has paid for, either by physically preventing them being taken or acting as a deterrent, thieves want an easy life, are you prepared to give them that?
Unfortunately security is a selfish thing, we can not stop crime but by improving YOUR security the criminal moves ‘down the street’ to the next weakest link!
Here’s how:
Golf clubs - Property marking individual clubs and cable locking to an anchor eye when stored in the garage.
Lap Top - Property marking and using a ‘Lap Saver’ security locking kit when using away from home or office.
Games Console – Property marking and displaying warning signs to deter the thief, cable security kits could be used to attach the console to other less portable objects, i.e. TV Stand.
Gold Bracelet – Small domestic safes cost much less than most people think.
Mobile Phones – Phone marking kits personalise and make phones easily identifiable.
There are practical solutions to all your security needs, including simple advice and tips.
Tags: christmas presents, Home security, New Years resolutions, protect Christmas presents, security, Security tips | Posted in Security Advice |
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